James Vince called in as cover for injured Bairstow

James Vince was called in as injured Jonny Bairstow’s cover for the all-important fourth India vs England Test match at Rose Bowl, Southampton, starting on August 30.  

James Vince was called in as injured Jonny Bairstow’s cover for the all-important fourth India vs England Test match at Rose Bowl, Southampton, starting on August 30.  

The 27-year-old Vince last played Test cricket for England in April against New Zealand and has been in good form off late, scoring 74 and 147 against Nottinghamshire this past week. The Hampshire batsman averages 56 in the County championship this season.

"The selection panel felt this was the right time to reintroduce James Vince to the Test squad. James will provide cover in case Jonny Bairstow's fractured finger prevents him playing in the fourth Test match," ECB national selector Ed Smith said in a statement.

In case, Bairstow fails to return to full fitness by the time, the fourth starts, Vince will be included in the playing XI with Jos Buttler donning the big gloves.

Seamer Jamie Porter, who was part of the English squad for the first three Tests of the five-match rubber that England lead 2-1, has been dropped and will return to the squad in the event of an injury to a seam bowler.

England squad for the fourth Test: Joe Root (Captain), Moeen Ali, Alastair Cook, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Asil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Vince and Chris Woakes.