RAJKOT: Jack Leach, England’s premier spinner, will sit out the remainder of the five-match test series against India due to a left knee injury, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday.
The 32-year-old sustained the injury twice while fielding during England’s triumph in the first test in Hyderabad, where he claimed two crucial wickets. Consequently, he was sidelined for the second match in Visakhapatnam, which saw the hosts emerge victorious on Monday, leveling the series at 1-1.
The ECB announced that no replacement would be called up for Leach, who will now depart from Abu Dhabi, where the team has been based, ahead of the third match in Rajkot, commencing on Thursday.
Leach will undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the England and Somerset medical teams, stated the cricket board.
In the absence of Leach, England awarded Shoaib Bashir his test debut in the second encounter, as he filled the void left by Leach. Bashir missed the series opener due to a visa delay, which was subsequently resolved.
Following the third test in Rajkot, the series will proceed with matches in Ranchi and Dharamsala.
Additionally, India’s batsman Virat Kohli will also miss the final three tests due to personal reasons.
