Bairstow is out injured, Somerset sign Khan

uncapped players in this month’s T20 tour of Pakistan, making him the front-runner.

More immediately, Bairstow’s absence is likely to lead to Harry Brook’s long-awaited Test debut at the Kia Oval on Thursday. He has been an unused squad member all summer, waiting for his opportunity, and should get his chance despite the addition of Ben Duckett as cover.

Following an ECB announcement about his injury, Bairstow took to Instagram, writing: “Unfortunately I am going to be unavailable for all games and tours in the immediate future. The reason being is that I have injured my lower leg in a freak accident and it needs an operation.

“The injury came when I slipped on the golf course this morning. I am gutted and want to wish everyone for this week at The Oval all the best firstly, and the boys that are going to Australia for the T20 World Cup. Absolutely gutted! I will be back.”

England’s World Cup squad had a number of fitness concerns, with Bairstow considered a safe bet. Mark Wood (elbow) and Chris Woakes (shoulder and knee) were both included despite missing the entire domestic season and last playing competitively during the Test tour of the West Indies in March. Chris Jordan (finger), Liam Livingstone (ankle) and Buttler (calf ) are all currently injured, while Reece Topley made an early exit from The Hundred to protect his body.

Phil Salt is the likeliest immediate beneficiary from Bairstow’s injury for the T20 World Cup, with Jacks ready to push his own case during the Pakistan tour.

There are no players from Somerset or Gloucestershire in either T20 squad.

Somerset have signed Pakistan off-spinner Sajid Khan for the final four Championship matches of the summer – starting with next week’s clash with Gloucestershire.

The right-hander has featured in seven Tests for Pakistan, claiming 22 wickets, with a best of eight for 42.

He has also played in a total of 49 first-class games, taking 190 wickets at an average of 26.95. He has claimed five wickets in a match on 11 occasions and ten wickets twice.

Khan said: “I know that in recent years Babar Azam and Azhar Ali have enjoyed their time at Somerset, and I am looking forward to playing alongside Imam-ul-Haq again. I hope that I can contribute.”