India, March 2 -- Jonny Bairstow has issued a strong public clarification after reports linked him directly with the England Lions squad in the UAE. The England batter said he is not with the team and is instead in Dubai with his young family, with his immediate focus on keeping them safe and getting them out.

Bairstow's post came as travel and security concerns intensified amid broader regional fallout of US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliation, which has disrupted flights and affected schedules in the region. He also acknowledged that England Lions security staff would be trying to assist the squad in Abu Dhabi.

Bairstow wrote: "For those writing that I'm with the England Lions team. I am not. I am with my young family i...