Jonny Bairstow is “very keen” to keep wickets for England in the fourth Test against India at Southampton despite a broken finger as the hosts look to seal the five-match series.

It was understood when England announced their 14-man squad last week that even if the Yorkshire man was passed fit to play on Thursday, he was likely to feature as a specialist batsman.

The home team are seeking to recover from a 203-run thrashing in Nottingham that cut their lead to 2-1.

But Bairstow was planning to test the injury with his wicketkeeping gloves on in training at the Ageas Bowl on Tuesday.

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“The swelling has gone down,” he said. “I’m going to try and keep wickets in training this afternoon as well.”

England have a ready-made replacement in Jos Buttler, who took over from Bairstow after the Yorkshireman injured his left middle finger, taking a delivery from James Anderson during England’s heavy defeat at Trent Bridge.

“You obviously want to play, so If I’m not able to keep wickets then I would like to think I’ll be a specialist batsman,” the 28-year-old said.

“But at the same time I’m desperate to try and keep my place as the wicketkeeper.

“I’m very, very keen to keep my spot as the wicketkeeper – because I would like to think it’s gone pretty well over the last 38/39 Test matches that I’ve been keeping for England.”