Sunday 19 November 2017 18:23, UK
Jonny Bairstow feared for his Ashes involvement after being struck on the finger in England’s final warm-up match.
The England wicketkeeper took a blow to his left middle finger off a Chris Woakes delivery on the first day of England's draw against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville.
After some on-field treatment, the 28-year-old was forced off with Ben Foakes standing in behind the stumps.
Fortunately for Bairstow, he had only bruised his finger and was able to return to the action 11 overs later - albeit with heavy bandaging - and completed the match.
Asked if he had any fears when he got hit, Bairstow said: "There was actually, yes. I had to go off just to make sure everything was okay. I put it in some ice and as soon as I knew it was fine it was a case of crack on.
"It's not the first time I've had a knock on my fingers and I'm sure it won't be the last. It wasn't too worrying but naturally there was a split-second where you think 'Oh, no!', but it's all good."
Bairstow's recovery will come as welcome news to England having already lost bowler Steven Finn to injury while all-rounder Ben Stokes remains at home.
Seamer Jake Ball also missed the last warm-up match with ankle ligament damage but is expected to be fit for Wednesday's first Ashes Test at the Gabba.
