The Yorkshireman fractured a finger during the third Test against India at Trent Bridge and remains a doubt for the fourth Test at the Ageas Bowl, which starts next week. If he gets the go-ahead from the medical team, he is likely to play as a specialist batsman.

Jos Buttler took over the gloves at Lord’s and hit his maiden Test hundred during the next innings, and he seems set to retain the gloves in Bairstow’s absence.

“Cooky has not changed his demeanour,” Bayliss said. “You wouldn’t know there was any difference between now and when he is scoring plenty of runs. He still practises as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. You watch him play in the nets and he is actually striking the ball quite nicely.

“His feet move well. I wouldn’t say he is out of form – he is still hitting the ball well – he is out of runs in the middle. But he is giving himself every opportunity. He practises hard and he still plays an active role in his position in the team.”

The fourth Test between England and India starts on Thursday August 30, with England currently leading 2-1 in the five-Test series.