England are currently facing New Zealand in the first of the three-match Test series at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. As of now, the hosts are absolutely dominating the Kiwis as their bowlers have been breathing fire on Day one. However, they unfortunately still faced a major blow.
Jack Leach injured himself while fielding and thus, suffered a concussion. As a result, he has been withdrawn from the ongoing Test. After Devon Conway edged a delivery that went between gully and backward point. Leach tried to stop the ball from going touching the boundary ropes.
While he did manage to pull it inside the boundary rope and saved a boundary, he ended up awkwardly falling and thus, got hurt. Hence, the medical staff of England, as well as New Zealand, went to see if he is ok. He then went off the field.
Thus, he won’t be taking any further part in this game. Matt Parkinson was named as his replacement. It is to be noted that Leach has been one of England’s top spinners in the longest format of the game for quite a while now. In 23 Tests, the offie has picked 79 wickets in 37 innings at an average of 31.89. This includes seven four-fers and two fifers as well.
“Jack Leach has symptoms of concussion following his head injury whilst fielding. As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from this Test,” said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement.
However, the Ben Stokes-led side haven’t needed him with the ball in this game so far. England’s seamers have been sensational in the first innings. They reduced New Zealand to 90-8. James Anderson has already picked four wickets. As for the Kane Williamson-led side, only Tim Southee has managed to score more than 20 as of now. Thus, it will be exciting to see if England can continue to dominate the visitors.
Updated squad of England:
Ben Stokes (C), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes (WK), Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Joe Root
