India vs England: Jack Leach ruled out of final three Tests by knee injury as tourists dealt blow | Cricket News
England were dealt a significant blow as lead spinner Jack Leach was ruled out of the final three Tests of their tour of India with a left knee injury.
Leach suffered the injury during England’s first Test victory in Hyderabad before sitting out the second Test as India levelled the series in Visakhapatnam.
The 32-year-old, who has played in 36 Tests, was by far the most experienced member of an England spin attack featuring teenager Rehan Ahmed, recent debutants Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir and the part-time bowling of Joe Root.
With the third Test due to start in Rajkot on Thursday with the series tied at 1-1, England have confirmed they will not call up a replacement for Leach.
“England and Somerset spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the rest of England Men’s Test tour of India with a left knee injury,” an ECB statement released on Sunday said.
“Leach sustained the injury during England’s first Test victory in Hyderabad and missed the second Test in Vizag as a result.
“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.”
More to follow…
