Jonny Bairstow is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) in order to focus on preparing for this summer's Ashes.
Bairstow was the star of England's stunning rejuvenation under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum last summer, smashing 681 runs at an average of 75.66 in six Tests. However, his impressive run of form was derailed in September after he suffered a freak accident while playing golf.
The 33-year-old broke his leg in three places and dislocated his ankle after slipping while walking off the side of the green. The injury required surgery and Bairstow had a metal plate inserted into his left leg.
In the six months since the accident, he has made encouraging progress ahead of a comeback but the IPL will come too soon. Punjab Kings, who retained him on a deal worth north of £650,000, are due to begin their season on April 1 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Both the Guardian and the Telegraph report that Bairstow would not be fit enough to feature at the start of the tournament and as a result, it has been decided that he will not be involved at all.
Instead, Bairstow will continue his recovery in the UK and is expected to feature for Yorkshire in the County Championship. Yorkshire have five games ahead of England's first Test of the summer against Ireland, but Bairstow is only likely to feature in three at the most.
McCullum has already stated that Bairstow will come straight back into the side once he is fully fit, despite Harry Brook starring in his absence. "As soon as he's fit he's back in the side, no doubt," McCullum told BBC Test Match Special following England's series win over Pakistan this winter.
"But let's work that out down the line. Don't try and crowbar anything and I think just let things unfold and when the time's right you make decisions you need to make. If they're tough conversations and tough decisions then so be it."
Punjab, meanwhile, have begun searching for a replacement and News Corp Australia claim that Matt Short has been lined up after an impressive season in the Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers.
