India vs England: Jack Leach a doubt for second Test, Shoaib Bashir could make debut

Jack Leach is set to miss the second Test against India starting on 2 February in Visakhapatnam due to an injury he sustained during the first match in Hyderabad. England’s most experienced spinner did not take part in England’s training session on Wednesday. The left-arm spinner was also seen receiving treatment from the physio on the sidelines, reported news agency PTI.

“He’s a tough kid, Leachy. So, I am 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,” opener Zak Crawley said in a conversation with media.

Leach had hurt his left knee while fielding on the first day of the Hyderabad Test before England won the match by 28 runs. Despite jarring his knee, Leach bowled 26 overs in the first innings and 10 in the second and took two wickets.

The injury to Leach means off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is expected to make his Test debut at Visakhapatnam. Bashir was forced to join England late in Hyderabad due to visa related issues.

Crawley said that Bashir will do well if he gets an opportunity in the series.

“He is a great kid. He has 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.”