Along with missing the T20 World Cup, the Yorkshireman is out of the Pakistan Tests, one-day internationals against Australia and South Africa and the trip to New Zealand
Jonny Bairstow is not expected to return from a broken leg and dislocated ankle until next spring, ruling him out of England's entire winter schedule.
The Yorkshireman slipped while playing at Pannal Golf Club near Harrogate in early September, suffering several fractures to his left leg and ankle ligament damage that required surgery.
Instead of the T20 World Cup, one-day internationals against Australia and South Africa and Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand, a winter of rehab awaits for Bairstow.
"Everything should heal, but it will take time," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Naturally I am desperately disappointed.
"I have been quite upbeat for the last month because it is such a freakish thing that's happened, it’s difficult to get angry about. It's such a freakish thing that's occurred."
An Ashes series and the defence of England's 50-over World Cup are looming in 2023, which Bairstow is already gearing towards.
Bairstow's batting displays have defined the Stokes-McCullum era (GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
"It won't sink in for a little while but I think you have to look at it in a slightly different way," he added.
"Yes, this has happened. I am out for a few months, but if that break allows you to play for an extra couple of years at the end, then that’s fantastic.
"My hunger has never diminished, but perhaps this will grow my appetite for the fantastic things we have next year, the Ashes, World Cup, and another T20 World Cup in 2024."
It is perhaps the Test team that will miss him most. Bairstow's aggressive batting has defined England's revival under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, which saw them land summer series wins over New Zealand and South Africa, either side of beating India.
The 33-year-old hammered four centuries along the way, scoring 681 runs at 75.66, which came at a strike rate of 96.59.
Bairstow was informed at the start of the summer he would bat at No.5, where he was asked by McCullum to reproduce his performances from the Indian Premier League.
Bairstow has hailed the clarity of McCullum's philosophy (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
"The clarity around how we are playing our cricket, that suits the way I play, too," he added.
"I am not worried about hanging around and I have always wanted to put pressure back on the opposition.
"It's man management, how you get the best out of people. That has been a really encouraging sign this summer.
"We are starting to get the best out of people and find out more about each other.
"On and off the field, tightening as a group, the cohesion we have, scrapping for each other, believing in each other.
"I wish them the best in Pakistan and the World Cup, I am distraught not to be there, and will be watching on the TV when I can.
"I've really enjoyed my Test cricket, after Covid times, which I found tough."
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