Third Test: Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow replaces Kevin Pietersen

Third Test: Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow replaces Kevin Pietersen

It was announced on Wednesday that Pietersen would fly home for further tests on a knee injury, which is set to sideline him for up to eight weeks.

And although Cook is disappointed to see Pietersen leave the tour, he is confident Bairstow can rise to the occasion.

"Obviously, it's a blow when you lose one of your senior batters and a guy who's performed consistently well for us over a number of years," he said.

"He's a great player, and will be missed but it gives an opportunity to Jonny Bairstow coming in.

"He's probably been a little unlucky not to be selected earlier, through circumstance this winter, so he has a great opportunity to try to end this winter well."

Fresh

Although Bairstow has been part of England's touring squads to India and New Zealand, he has had little playing time.

His last appearance came in England's series-clinching Twenty20 victory over the Kiwis in Wellington in February.

"In an ideal situation, you'd like a little bit more match practice behind you," Cook said.

"But you can't choose sometimes, and I know he's just very excited about being given the opportunity - and he won't be looking at that as a negative. He can go out there very fresh, and raring to go.

"He's desperately keen to be involved. He's been on all the winter tours.

"He only got one knock in the Tests in India. Coming back after playing really well against South Africa at Lord's, to then miss out because of the balance of the team was probably a tough call to make."