Jonny Bairstow has admitted that spending six months on the road this year has "taken its toll" on him, marking his first public comments since losing his spot in England's Test team.

While reiterating his desire to continue playing for England, Bairstow acknowledged that playing in all three international formats and the IPL last winter had required "sacrifices." He mentioned that he had enjoyed a "much-needed break" since returning home from the T20 World Cup, prior to the start of the Hundred.

"It was a much-needed break, to be honest with you," Bairstow told the BBC after Welsh Fire's eight-wicket win over Manchester Originals at Old Trafford on Thursday night. "It was nice to spend a bit of time at home, get away from cricket, do normal things, catch up with the family - and not slip over," referring to the leg injury which threatened his career two years ago.

Bairstow was the only England player involved in all four major tournaments: the 50-over World Cup, the Test series in India, the IPL, and the T20 World Cup. Despite scoring a brilliant century for Punjab Kings in the IPL, he struggled to find consistent form during these tours. He managed two fifties in nine innings at the 50-over World Cup, failed to reach 40 in the Test series, and had mixed results in the T20 World Cup.

"I had the best part of seven months away from home since January. I had five nights at home in my own bed until three weeks ago," Bairstow said. "That's the scheduling of the game. That's being lucky enough to be a part of all three formats and that's the thing you have to sacrifice, time at home.

"At the same time, when you are away for that period of time, it takes its toll… those are the sacrifices that you make, so to have a bit of home time and to have a special little period was pretty awesome."

Bairstow, along with Ben Foakes, was dropped from England's Test squad for the series against the West Indies, with Jamie Smith being preferred as the wicketkeeper-batter.

"Jonny just needs to get back to what he was a couple of years ago," Rob Key, England's managing director, said when announcing the squad. "Generally, his form - in all formats - has just been going slightly in the wrong direction."

But Bairstow made clear he wants to force his way back in. Asked by Michael Vaughan if he wants to return to the Test team, Bairstow replied: "Well, you don't need to ask me that, do you? I think you know me well enough, and you've known me for long enough to know that all I want to do is play for England, and that's end of."