Jonny Bairstow gives update on his recovery, will return to cricket in 2023
England’s cricketer of the summer, Johnny Bairstow, has revealed the timeline for this return to the field after a freak golf accident left him with a broken leg and a dislocated ankle. The 33-year-old will not play any part in England’s T20 World Cup campaign and is set to make a return to cricket in 2023.
The Yorkshireman was amidst a purple patch in red-ball cricket earlier this year, amassing 681 runs at an average of 75.6 along with four centuries. But catastrophe hit for the mercurial batter and England as he slipped after playing the third hole at Pannal Golf Club near Harrogate. Bairstow had a successful surgery a week later but has shared the extent of his injury in a graphic post on Instagram.
“I am just writing this to give you all an update on my injury and progress. The actual injury was as such… a broken fibula in 3 places which required a plate, I dislocated my ankle which in turn meant I did my syndesmosis joint and lateral ligament along with a couple more bits. All in all, I have done a proper job on it!”
“Anyway… on the positive side the operation went well and I am now three weeks post surgery and my staples have been removed. It’s now all about swelling prevention and getting my ankle moving once again. These next few weeks/couple of months are the key to the recovery,” read Bairstow’s post.
‘I cannot wait for what 2023 holds’, Bairstow hints at a strong comeback next year
The explosive batter was named in England’s T20 World squad prior to the injury, but after undergoing successful surgery on a broken leg and dislocated ankle, the Yorkshireman has revealed that he won’t be taking part in any cricket for the rest of the year. But, he is looking forward to making a strong return next year.
“As for a time scale on return to play I’m afraid it is too early to say, the first targets in mind are getting me back on my two feet again and making sure it’s right. One thing is for sure and that is I shall not be partaking in anything more during 2022 … however I cannot wait for what 2023 holds,” Bairstow added in his post.
