Bairstow could well feature as a specialist batsman after injuring his finger during the third Test, but has made it clear he wants to retain the gloves long-term.

“The finger feels good, the swelling has gone down, and it is a lot better than I thought it was going to be,” Bairstow said during a press conference at the Ageas Bowl.

“If you look, my stats are better when I am keeping wicket as well, so you are entering uncharted territories when you make bold statements like that.

“I am very keen to keep my spot as keeper, because I like to think it has gone well over the last 38, 39 Test matches.”

Bairstow’s fitness for the fourth Test could put an end to James Vince’s hopes of a return to the side following his recall as batting cover for the match – unless England were to shuffle the balance of their team or drop two-Test 20-year-old Ollie Pope.