England’s preparations for the second Test against India have hit a roadblock as spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The left-arm spinner, who picked up two wickets in the first Test in Hyderabad, suffered the injury on his left knee, confirmed England skipper Ben Stokes.
Stokes expressed disappointment at Leach’s absence, acknowledging his experience with 36 Test matches under his belt. With Leach out, the spotlight turns to the other spinners in the squad. Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley, who have limited experience, are the available options. Shoaib Bashir, a recent addition to the squad, could also be in contention for a place in the playing XI.
Stokes mentioned that the medical team is closely monitoring Leach’s injury and is hopeful that he will recover soon. However, the extent of the injury and the timeline for his return are yet to be determined.
“He’s ruled out of the second Test. Unfortunately, the knock he took resulted in a haematoma. It’s a big shame for us and a big shame for him. It’s something we’re assessing every day but the medical team have taken over on that, so hopefully it’s not something too serious that keeps him out for longer,” Stokes said.
Leach’s absence presents an opportunity for the younger spinners to step up. Bashir, at 20 years old, has shown promise in domestic cricket, while Hartley made a notable debut in the first Test against India. Both will be eager to make an impact in Leach’s absence and contribute to England’s performance in the ongoing series.
The second Test against India will be a crucial fixture for England, who will look to bounce back after a defeat in the opening match. The absence of Leach will undoubtedly be felt, but it also provides an opportunity for the younger spinners to make their mark on the international stage.
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