Matt Prior, Jonny Bairstow, Sri Lanka vs England 2018
Former England cricketer Matt Prior has urged Jonny Bairstow not to rush back after getting an ankle injury during the ODI series against Sri Lanka (Photo by Philip Brown/Popperfoto)

Former England cricketer Matt Prior has urged Jonny Bairstow not to rush back after sustaining an ankle injury during the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The wicket-keeper batsman had sustained an injury during the limited-overs series. As a result, Bairstow missed the final two games of the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Ben Foakes was called into the side who made his international debut against Sri Lanka. He played an exciting knock and scored his maiden century in the opening Test.

Meanwhile, Matt Prior urged Bairstow not to hurry which might create a hassle. The 36 years old Prior also spoke about the foot movement that is required while keeping.

Matt Prior advice Jonny Bairstow to take his time to recuperate.

“The injury he (Bairstow) has, you don’t want to rush back,” said Matt Prior while commentating for Talk Sport 2. “Because you can create a lot more hassle. If he’s going to keep, it’s not so much the forward and back and linear movement, it’s going to be the sideways that’s going to be an issue.

Sri Lanka vs England 2018: Jonny Bairstow Should Not Rush Back From Injury - Matt Prior
PC: Getty Images

“If you try and keep wicket over here, in these conditions, that are very, very physically demanding, half-injured or with a slight injury, you’re going to under-perform and you’re not [just] going to let yourself down but you’re going to let the team down as well.”

Furthermore, Matt Prior tried to convey that playing with an injury will also hamper the form of Jonny Bairstow. Prior also knows the dangers of trying to play with an injury. In his final Test match, he decided to play with an injury. However, the decision not only affected his performance but also worsen the injury.

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Sri Lanka vs England 2018: Jonny Bairstow Should Not Rush Back From Injury - Matt Prior
PC: Getty Images

“I’ve learned from experience and unfortunately I couldn’t come back from it. There is the bravado of ‘oh I’m playing for my country, they’re going to have to wheel me off’. It doesn’t get you very far. You’d rather go away, give yourself that extra week to come back fully fit so that you can perform. Not only for yourself but for your team, at 100%.” Matt Prior added.

England is in a dominating position as they currently lead by 325 runs.