In a significant damage blow to England, the skilled spinner Jack Leach has been formally ruled out of the second Test match against India on Wednesday. England captain Ben Stokes confirmed the spinner’s unavailability for the Vizag Test beginning on February 2 attributable to a knee damage he sustained within the opening match in Hyderabad. 

Stokes additionally hinted at a possible debut for the teenager Shoaib Bashir who missed the Hyderabad Test attributable to a delay in visa clearance.

“He’s ruled out of the second Test,” Stokes stated. “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. 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.”

More to observe…