In a huge blow to England, wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow is set to miss the upcoming fourth ODI in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka as he injured his ankle during the training session. An England official confirmed the development and stated that the 29-year-old right-hander hurt himself while playing football on Friday and will be replaced by Alex Hales.
As per several media reports, Bairstow will be assessed by the team medical staff and a decision on his availability will be made before the start of the game. If the injury didn't get clear up overnight, he is expected to undergo a scan when the squad arrives in Colombo ahead of the fifth and final ODI next week.
England are leading the five-match series 2-0. The first match was washed out by monsoon rains.
Bairstow's replacement comes after England all-rounder Liam Dawson was ruled out of the entire tournament. Dawson strained his right side while bowling during England's win in the third ODI last week. Dawson was replaced by Joe Denly.
On the other hand, Hales will definitely be itching to seize back his place in the opening slot, having lost out only two matches after he played a terrific 147-run knock out of England's world-record 481 for 6 against Australia at Trent Bridge in June.
Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera, who scored 30 in the second ODI, is meanwhile out of the rest of the series after a hamstring injury. He has been replaced by Sadeera Samarawickrama.