ENGLAND wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has welcomed Steven Finn’s return to the squad for the tour of South Africa.

Bradford-born Bairstow has this week penned a new contract with county champions Yorkshire until December 2018.

And he admits he is doubly delighted after Finn joined up with the England touring party.

The bowler, who has been added to the Test squad after recovering from a foot injury, was left out of the initial 16-man line-up after suffering bone stress in the early stages prior to the recent Pakistan series. Finn’s recovery went well enough for him to play in England Lions’ last two Twen-ty20 matches against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, taking four wickets.

The 26-year-old joined England in Potchefstroom last night, but is not being considered for today's warm-up match against a South Africa Invitational XI.

Indeed, he may yet have to sit out the second tour match in Pietermaritzburg and the first Test on Boxing Day before he is deemed ready for action.

In the meantime Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes and Mark Footitt will vie for the third seamer's role behind James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

On Finn's return, Yorkshire's Bairstow said: "It's fantastic news.

"We were really disappointed with Finny getting injured in the UAE, he's an integral part of our squad and to have him back and hopefully pushing for a place in the first or second Test is fantastic.

"He's had a bit of a break and he's raring to go after putting some performances in for the Lions out in Dubai.

"Finny, with his height and extra bounce and pace will bring a different aspect to our pace attack."