India vs England: Shoaib Bashir likely to replace Jack Leach doubtful for second Test

India vs England 2nd Test match: Young spinner Shoaib Bashir is likely to make his Test debut in the second Test match against India in Vizag as star Jack Leach is set to miss the match due to a knee injury suffered in the first Test.

Leach injured his left knee while fielding the opening match in Hyderabad but managed to bowl 10 overs in the second innings as Egland secured a remarkable 28-run victory. He opted to bowl during Wednesday’s training session as England geared up for the second Test match in Visakhapatnam on Friday.

Leach’s potential absence might pave the way for Somerset colleague Shoaib Bashir to make his debut. “He’s a tough cookie,” England opener Zak Crawley told BBC Sport.

“You can never write him off. He had a sore knee in the last game and we’ll see how he pulls up. At the moment he’s still in contention to play. It would be a shame for Leachy to miss out, he’s a fantastic bowler, but we’ve got good depth. We’ve got a good spin attack and good seamers to back them up.”

The youngster joined the England squad during the first Test after returning to the UK to resolve his delayed visa issue. Bashir’s inclusion in the England squad for this series came as a surprise.

The spinner debuted in first-class cricket just last summer, taking 10 wickets from 6 matches. Similar to the unanticipated selection of left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who impressed with 7-62 in the second innings in the opening match, England believes Bashir has the potential to thrive in Indian conditions.

If Bashir replaces Leach, then England have three frontline spinners. Crawley believes Bashir is “absolutely” ready to play in Visakhapatnam if necessary.

“He’s a great kid,” said Crawley. “He’s got a lot about him. He knows what he is trying to do with his bowling and he backs himself. I like that and feel like if he got his chance in this series he would go well.”

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