IND vs ENG: England spinner ruled out of 2nd test against India, confirms Ben Stokes

England have named their playing XI for IND vs ENG second test in Visakhapatnam.

England skipper Ben Stokes has confirmed that left-arm spinner Jack Leach is ruled out of the second test against India in Visakhapatnam. Left-arm spinner Jack Leach suffered a knee injury during the first test in Hyderabad. Jack Leach’s absence have prompted England team management to tweak their plans ahead of the Visakhapatnam test. Leach got injured while fielding in Hyderabad.

Jack Leach fell on his knee while fielding in the first test and he didn’t take part in England’s training session on Wednesday. Jack Leach was spotted receiving treatment from England team’s physio. England have announced their playing XI for the second test and Shoaib Bashir will be making his test debut in Visakhapatnam. Bashir’s entry in India was delayed due to visa issues.

Jack Leach will miss the action in Visakhapatnam

England skipper Ben Stokes informed about Jack Leach’s absence during pre-match press conference. As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, Stokes said, “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.” Leach picked up two wickets in Hyderabad test.

Ben Stokes further provided an update on Jack Leach and added that he will assessed everyday by England’s medical team. He added, “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.”

England announced their playing XI for the second test and have made two changes in the side. Bashir will be making his test debut and James Anderson will be coming in for Mark Wood and will play as the lone pacer. This will be Anderson’s first test match of the year 2024. England won the first test by 28 runs and took a 1-0 lead.

England playing XI for second test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.