Watch: Jonny Bairstow showed few signs of rustiness in his first innings since August, blasting 97 off 88 for Yorkshire Second XI against Nottinghamshire Second XI as he continues on the comeback trail after a horrific leg break.

Bairstow was the form batter of the early part of the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era, putting together a run of four centuries in five innings to drive England to victory from a series of improbable positions. These included twin centuries against India at Edgbaston, hauling England from 83-5 and then sealing their record Test chase, a showing which secured him the inaugural Wisden Trophy for the year’s standout Test performance.

However, he was ruled out of England’s winter after sustaining a freak leg break, slipping while golfing between the second and third South Africa Tests. Since then, Harry Brook has established himself as one of the most exciting young batters in the world, enjoying a record-breaking start to his Test career. This has led to a dilemma over where Bairstow slots back into the England side, with the rest of the middle order occupied by Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

In his first game back, Bairstow provided a reminder of his considerable talent, blitzing a Notts attack which included England Test bowler Olly Stone for 97 off 88 balls, before falling to Stone, mistiming a short-ish delivery. While Bairstow was dropped off Stone on 21, he scored freely around the ground. Yorkshire’s XI also includes wicketkeeper Harry Duke, and it is not confirmed whether Bairstow will spend any time behind the stumps in the game.

Watch the highlights of the Bairstow comeback innings below:

Jonny Bairstow's first innings since August is an 88-ball 97 💥#CountyCricket2023 pic.twitter.com/qeSXQY2R6W

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 25, 2023