Foakes reported a stiff back to the England medical department on Saturday, with Bairstow filling in for the Surrey keeper before lunch on day three
England were dealt an injury worry on day three of the third Test against New Zealand as Ben Foakes did not emerge to keep wicket at the start of the Kiwis' second innings.
Foakes reported a stiff back to the England medical department on Saturday, with Jonny Bairstow filling in for the Surrey keeper before lunch.
Following assessments through the afternoon, Foakes returned to the team hotel. An England official said he would be monitored overnight before a decision is made over his involvement in the remainder of the game.
Ben Foakes missed the whole of Saturday's play [Getty Images]
Meanwhile, Harry Brook has returned from Vitality Blast duty with Yorkshire and will take on the substitute fielder responsibilities for the rest of the Test.
England established a first-innings lead of 31 thanks to a remarkable hundred from Bairstow.
The Yorkshireman smashed 162, his fourth Test century of 2022 and second in successive innings, as he helped his side recover from 55 for 6 to post 360.
Jamie Overton, on debut, posted 97, while Stuart Broad made a quickfire 42.