England spinner Jack Leach is all set to miss the second Test match against India in Vizag. The 32-year-old left-armer suffered a leg injury on the opening day of the inaugural Test match.
The visitors, who were without Leach's full services in Hyderabad, went on to claim the victory, from the jaws of defeat.
England caused an upset at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, beating hosts and overwhelmingly favourites, India. Ben Stokes & Co. beat their opposition by a margin of 28 runs. India were all-out for 202, while chasing 231 on Day 4 of the Test match.
However, England's ecstasy could soon turn into agony. The visitors' premier spinner, Jack Leach is expected to be unavailable for selection for the second Test of the series. Leach played a second-fiddle role in the inaugural Test after suffering his leg injury.
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Why will Jack Leach miss the second Test match against India?
Jack Leach had bruised and jammed his leg while fielding in India's first innings in the Hyderabad Test. Throughout the rest of the game, Leach played on the field having a reduced role on his shoulders.
This proved to be a blessing in disguise for the visitors. Tom Hartley, who originally played as a second fiddle to Leach, took the task in his own hands. The debutant passed with flying colours, bagging seven wickets in India's second innings. Hartley singlehandedly caused havoc and turned the tide in England's favour.
In Leach's absence, Shoaib Bashir is expected to fill in the Playing XI spot. The English cricketer was denied his visa to India early-on, due to his Pakistani heritage. However, the spinner is expected to be available for selection in the Vizag Test.
With England reportedly going for an all-spin attack in the second Test, Shoaib Bashir could come in handy for the visitors.
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How many wickets did Jack Leach take in the First Test?
Jack Leach picked up two wickets in the inaugural Test between India and England. The 32-year-old picked provided important breakthroughs to his side, despite being half-fit due to injury.
Leach picked up the wicket of Rohit Sharma in the first innings, and dismissed Shreyas Iyer in the second. Leach bowled 26 overs in the first innings, compared to just 10 in the later part of the game.
| Jack Leach's wickets in 1st Test | Figures | Overs Bowled |
|---|---|---|
| First Innings | 1/63 | 26 |
| Second Innings | 1/33 | 10 |
What is Jack Leach's record in Tests?
| Matches | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy | 5w/10w | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 61 | 126 | 34.40 | 68.1 | 3.02 | 5 / 1 | 5/66, 10/166 |
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When will Jack Leach return from injury?
There has been no definite time provided for Leach's return. However, skipper Ben Stokes praised Leach for his commitment. Stokes called him a 'tough kid', and stated he could be back soon.
Speaking to reporters, the England captain said,
He's a tough kid, Leachy, so I'm not sure. You never know with Jack. You can never really write him off. We'll see how he pulls up in a couple of days.
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