Jonny Bairstow expresses sympathy for Ben Foakes after England squad decision

Bairstow has replaced Foakes behind the stumps after recovering from a broken leg that kept him out of the winter series in Pakistan and New Zealand

Jonny Bairstow has expressed his sympathy towards Ben Foakes after the Surrey wicketkeeper was left out of England's Test squad at his expense.

Bairstow returns to the side following his recovery from a broken leg and will take the gloves for the Test against Ireland at Lord's, and he is expected to keep wicket throughout the Ashes campaign as well.

It is a cruel blow for Foakes, who has been an important part of England's run of success under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bairstow said: "He's obviously been an integral part of the last 12 months and how we've gone about it. It's something that's never nice; I've been on the other end of it as well personally.

"I know exactly how he'll be feeling, so absolutely there's some sympathy for Ben."

Bairstow was also confident about Foakes' chances of returning to the side, saying: "I've no doubts that he'll be back in the fold again soon."

^{Bairstow is back keeping wicket for Yorkshire (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

The Yorkshireman experienced a golden summer last year with four hundreds, but then he didn't have the gloves, with Foakes behind the stumps instead.

The stunning arrival on the scene of Harry Brook in Bairstow's injury absence, though, has effectively forced England to make a difficult choice.

Bairstow kept wicket on his County Championship return for Yorkshire and added: "I've always said as long as I'm in the frame to be the side then I just want to be out there representing my country."

Director of England men's cricket Rob Key said: "It was a seriously tough decision to leave Ben Foakes out of the squad.

"He has been excellent for England in the last year, but Jonny Bairstow is one of the best players in the world whose performances last summer epitomised what we are about."

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