Englands Jonny Bairstow feels good for fourth India Test but Chris Woakes doubtful

Jonny Bairstow is optimistic of playing a full part in Englands fourth Test against India at the Ageas Bowl as he continues his recovery from a fractured finger.

The Yorkshire suffered the blow while keeping wicket during the tourists second innings on day three of the third Test at Trent Bridge and was replaced by Jos Buttler behind the stumps.

Bairstow was forced to bat down the order as England attempted to save the game – they eventually lost by 203 runs – and coach Trevor Bayliss said it was out of the equation that he would play as a wicket-keeper in Southampton.

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But after he kept and batted during training on Tuesday there is fresh optimism that Bairstow could yet be fit enough to fulfill a duel role.

The finger feels good, Bairstow said before the practice session. The swellings gone down and its a lot better than I thought it was going to be.

I want to play so if Im not able to keep wicket Id like to think I can play as a specialist batsman. Im still desperate to try to keep my place as the keeper.

However, while Bairstow is confident of playing in some capacity as England look to wrap up the series, Chris Woakes is a doubt after he sat out the session with a thigh injury

Woakes missed Englands entire limited overs schedule earlier this season due to an identical issue and medical staff are therefore understood to be concerned.

Ben Stokes played through the latter part of the third Test with a knee problem but is not expected the miss the game with England leading the series 2-1 with two matches to play.

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Surreys Sam Curran and uncapped seamer Jamie Porter of Essex are waiting in the wings if either player is unavailable, while there also remains some uncertainty over the shape of the batting line-up.

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Moeen Ali struck a double century for Worcestershire against Yorkshire to thrust himself into contention for a recall, while James Vince has returned to a squad after an impressive campaign for Hampshire.

The pairs chances of playing could be influenced by any decision to accommodate Ollie Pope, who could drop down the order after batting in the unfamiliar position of number four for his opening two Test appearances.

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