Jack Leach, England’s pivotal spinner, has been ruled out from the ongoing series against India due to injury.
The England cricket team has been hit hard as they head into the third Test against India, with star spinner Jack Leach ruled out for the rest of the series due to a left knee injury sustained during the first match in Hyderabad.
Leach, visibly uncomfortable after hurting himself while fielding in the first Test, did play a role with the ball in Hyderabad but was not considered fit for the Vizag Test. Hopes were high for his return in the third game, but it appears his injury is more severe than initially thought.
Taking a short break in Abu Dhabi before the third Test, Jack Leach will not be making a return to India. Instead, he will be flying back to his home in the next 24 hours, seeking medical attention from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and his county team for recovery.
In an official statement, the ECB confirmed Jack Leach’s situation and clarified that no replacement would be named for the spinner.
“He will fly home from Abu Dhabi in the next 24 hours, where the England team have been staying ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, which starts on Thursday. Leach will work closely with the England and Somerset medical teams in respect of his rehabilitation. England will not be calling up a replacement,” an ECB statement read.
Leach was the most experienced spinner in the England squad, with Rehan Ahmed having only three Test matches under his belt, while Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir have played two and one Test match respectively. In the 1st Hyderabad Test, Leach secured two wickets, contributing to the visitors’ 28-run victory.
In Leach’s absence, the England spinners, especially Hartley and Bashir, showcased commendable resilience. Despite Dan Lawrence’s impressive track record in domestic cricket, he surprisingly missed out on a spot in the squad following Leach’s departure.
Captain Ben Stokes will play a crucial role in managing the bowling unit. He effectively supported the young bowlers in the previous two games and will aim to continue that success in the upcoming match.
The third Test of the series is scheduled to commence on February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
