England face massive setback as their star player Jack Leach ruled out of the second Test against India

England spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the second Test match against India that will be held on Friday, February 2 at the Dr Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Vizag.

Jack Leach sustained a knee injury while fielding on the opening day of the Test in Hyderabad, and the issue worsened on the second morning. Despite being limited to short spells for the remainder of the match, he managed to bowl 10 overs in the second innings. He picked the crucial wicket of Shreyas Iyer, contributing to England’s impressive 28-run victory.

Ben Stokes confirms the unavailability

Initially, the team had hopes about the Leach’s recovery before the second Test was dashed. England’s captain Ben Stokes has confirmed his unavailability due to a haematoma in his leg resulting from the injury.

Stokes expressed disappointment over this, particularly considering Leach’s return to the game after a prolonged absence due to a back injury.

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

“He’s ruled out of the second Test. Unfortunately, the knock he took resulted in a haematoma in his leg. It’s a big shame for us, a big shame for Jack, obviously after a long time out of the game with his back. To sustain that injury, first game back, obviously it’s frustrating. But it’s something we’re assessing every day. The medical team have taken over that, and hopefully, it’s not something that’s too serious and keeps him out for longer in the series,” Stokes was quoted as saying by ANI.

However, Leach’s absence, given his status as the most experienced spinner in the England squad during the India tour, presents a challenge for the visitors in Visakhapatnam. Nevertheless, this unexpected injury opens the door for those on the bench during the first Test to seize the opportunity and make their mark in the series.