Jonny Bairstow on track to return to action against Glamorgan at start of May

Head coach Ottis Gibson revealed the wicketkeeper-batter could return to competitive cricket as early as next week, with Yorkshire's 2nd XI due to face Leicestershire in Kibworth from April 17

Jonny Bairstow is on track to feature in Yorkshire's home clash with Glamorgan (May 4-7) as he continues his recovery from a serious leg injury.

Speaking to the club website, head coach Ottis Gibson also revealed the wicketkeeper-batter could make his return to competitive cricket as early as next week, with Yorkshire's 2nd XI due to face Leicestershire in Kibworth from April 17.

Overseas signing Saud Shakeel, who is available for four Championship matches in April and May, could also feature against Leicestershire.

"What I'm told is that Jonny will be available for the Glamorgan Championship game at Headingley," Gibson said. "That's his intention. He wants to be fit to play in that fixture.

"I think he might make an appearance in a second-team fixture next week just to see how he goes."

^{Bairstow impressed for England last summer before suffering a serious leg injury [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

Bairstow was one of the standout performers for England last summer, scoring 681 runs in six Tests, before suffering a broken leg and dislocated ankle in a freak accident while playing golf.

The 33-year-old hasn't played competitive cricket since late August, when he featured in the second Test between England and South Africa at Emirates Old Trafford.

It has been reported that Bairstow will take the gloves on his return to action with Yorkshire as he looks to force his way back into England's plans.

Speaking at Yorkshire's pre-season media day, Gibson stated there hadn't been any direct contact from the ECB regarding Bairstow's role but said he would "accommodate" any requests.

"Part of the job of county cricket is to prepare players for England. If England put in a request then we'd be crazy not to accommodate them, especially in an Ashes year. We will certainly try to accommodate that request if and when it comes," Gibson said. 

"Jonny had a horrific injury but he's tracking well. Everything is moving in the right direction."