Bairstow break opens door for Prior

England's incumbent Test wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has suffered a blow in his bid to keep the gloves for his country's next Test after breaking a finger in a warm-up match playing for his county.

Bairstow was brought in for the final two Commonwealth Bank Ashes Tests after England axed underperforming Matt Prior.

However, Bairstow is now a major doubt for England's opening Test of their summer, against Sri Lanka on June 12.

The 24-year-old broke his finger attempting to take a ball down the leg side off quick Liam Plunkett in a warm-up match against Northamptonshire.

Scans revealed a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand which is expected to keep him out of action for up to six weeks.

Former Australian fast-bowler and current Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie said the injury was a “devastating blow for Jonny”.

“It is a great shame for him and I know that he is really disappointed with the news,” Gillespie said.

“Jonny has been working incredibly hard to put in some strong performances for Yorkshire during the early part of the season to enhance his England credentials.

“We have to remain patient and Jonny will work closely with our medical team over the next few weeks to get back to action.”

Bairstow's mood after the injury would not have been helped as Prior put on a century in Sussex's innings-victory over Middlesex in the Division One