Jonny Bairstow has confirmed he will "absolutely" be available to play in England's one-off Test against Ireland two weeks before the Ashes starts, but admitted he is unsure if he will be used as a specialist batter or a wicketkeeper.
Bairstow has been out of action for almost eight months now after breaking his leg in three places and dislocating his ankle during a freak accident while playing golf. However, the 33-year-old is set to make his return for Yorkshire in the County Championship next month ahead of the Ashes.
Before his injury, Bairstow was in the form of his life, smashing 1,061 runs and six centuries at an average of 66.31 last year. And after undergoing surgery where a metal plate was inserted into his left leg, Bairstow is "nearing the end of the recovery process" and "can't wait" to be back playing cricket.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "Everything's going to plan so far. It was naturally a freak incident but that's part and parcel of life, you can be driving a car and then have an incident there or you can be crossing the road and have an incident there.
"Unfortunately it was one of those things that happened on the golf course, but the good news is that we're nearing the end of the recovery process and I can't wait to hopefully be back out there very soon. There's a couple of bits to do, a couple of i's to dot and t's to cross, but I should be there or thereabouts [in the next few weeks].
"I will be available [to play against Ireland], absolutely. I'm definitely on the right track. I can't give too much away, we've not decided definitely as to what's actually going to happen over the next couple of weeks but it's going to be great."
And with Bairstow set to be available for the Ashes, there has been much debate over what role he will play after Harry Brook's stunning emergence as his replacement at number five.
Yorkshire chief Darren Gough revealed last month that Bairstow had asked to keep wicket when he returns to action with the county, prompting suggestions it was a sign he could replace Ben Foakes behind the stumps for England
However, Bairstow has dismissed it as a "non-story" and admitted he has "no idea" what role he will play in the Ashes, having only played as England's designated wicketkeeper in one Test match since 2019.
He added: "Why wouldn't I [keep wicket]? That's all I've ever done for Yorkshire. It's a non-story to be honest with you. Every time I've played for Yorkshire, I've kept wicket. When it comes to England I've got no idea."
