England's Jonny Bairstow during the press conference. (Reuters/Paul Childs)
SOUTHAMPTON, England: Jonny Bairstow says he is ready to resume his role as wicket-keeper for England in the fourth test against India, barely a week after breaking his finger.
Bairstow fractured a bone in the middle finger of his left hand midway through the third test in Nottingham, which India won to reduce the deficit in the five-match series to 2-1.
He took the gloves for training on Tuesday, having earlier said the swelling had gone down on his finger.
Bairstow says "if I'm not able to keep wicket then I would like to think I'll be a specialist batsman, but at the same time I'm desperate to try and keep my place as the keeper."
Jos Buttler would take over as wicket-keeper if Bairstow doesn't play or is only picked as a batsman.
Allrounder Chris Woakes missed training on Tuesday because of pain in his right thigh.
The fourth test starts Thursday.
