Englands Leach out of second Test against India

VISAKHAPATNAM, FEB 1: Englands Jack Leach has been ruled out of the second Test against India through injury, with his Somerset team-mate Shoaib Bashir now nearer an international debut as a result.

Left-arm spinner Leach, 32, played a limited role in Englands stunning 28-run win in the series opener, where Ben Stokess men overcame a first-innings deficit of 190 runs, following a problem with his left knee.

"Hes ruled out of the second Test. Unfortunately the knock he took resulted in a haematoma," Stokes told travelling British media on Wednesday.
"Its a big shame for us and a big shame for him. Its something we e assessing every day but the medical team have taken over on that so hopefully its not something too serious that keeps him out for longer."

Bashir was forced to fly back to London to resolve a visa issue last week but returned in time to witness the last day of Englands sensational victory in the first of a five-Test series.

The 20-year-old off-spinner has taken a mere 10 first-class wickets at an average of 67.

But rookie left-arm spinner Tom Hartley bagged a seven-wicket haul in Indias failed run chase on Test debut last week and England may again ignore any lack of experience.

"To be perfectly honest, our training camp in Abu Dhabi was the first real live look I got at Bash," Stokes said.

"The first time I saw him was on Twitter. I think the County Championship put a little clip together of him bowling against Sir Alastair (Cook).    —AFP