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England faces a significant setback as left-arm spinner Jack Leach will miss the second Test against India due to a leg injury. The 32-year-old spinner sustained a knock resulting in a hematoma in his leg during the first Test, forcing him to sit on the sidelines for the upcoming match in Visakhapatnam.
Captain Ben Stokes confirmed Leach’s absence, expressing disappointment for both the team and the experienced spinner who recently returned after a prolonged absence due to a back injury. The medical team is closely monitoring Leach’s condition, hoping the injury won’t keep him out for an extended period in the series.
The composition of England’s playing XI for the second Test is yet to be finalized. The team is considering uncapped off-spinner Shoaib Bashir as a potential replacement for Leach, particularly if they opt to include an additional spinner in the lineup.
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Stokes expressed confidence in Bashir’s abilities and mentioned that if selected, the focus would be on providing him with a positive debut experience. The team is assessing the wicket conditions, and Stokes, along with coach Brendon McCullum and vice-captain Ollie Pope, will decide on the final playing XI.
Stokes emphasized that Bashir’s inclusion in the squad is not merely for the experience, and if the team feels the need to turn to him, they will consider his participation in the second Test.
–IANS
