Jack Leach sustained a serious knee injury which he picked on Day 2 of the first Test against India in Hyderabad on January 25. England's bowling coach Jeetan Patel meanwhile, provided details about the injury Jack Leach suffered during the ongoing first Test against India. Patel said that the star spinner hurt his knee while fielding at fine leg, and the injury could be quite serious.
Jack Leach's limited bowling on Day 2 of the first Test against India turns everyone's head and invited considerable criticism. Many questioned captain Ben Stokes' decision not to use the primary spinner more extensively, especially given Leach's effective performance.
While other spinners delivered longer spells, Leach was restricted to bowling no more than four overs at a time. Despite his limited involvement, he bowled effectively, challenging the Indian batters with accurate lines, lengths, and noticeable turn.
While giving a big update on Leach's injury, Patel said that his fielding injury was the reason behind his limited bowling. He emphasised that although Leach is struggling with the injury, he remains committed to his role. Speaking to the media, Patel said,"Jack banged his knee last night, the first dive down at fine leg, then he banged it again today and it’s giving him a little jip to be honest. It must be pretty serious, or serious for him anyway, because the reality is he wouldn’t shirk that responsibility. It is sore enough, if you watch him in the outfield and I don’t think it’s a graze.”
Patel went on to say that Jack Leach, despite his injury, delivered a commendable bowling performance. He praised the off-spinner's dedication, expressing regret over Leach's unfortunate injury recurrence.
“You noticed he was a little sluggish trying to get to balls, but he stuck at it and I thought he actually bowled really, really well considering. He tried everything and he used the options he had, bearing in mind he was a bit hampered. That’s what Jack does for this team, he’ll always put in, but it’s a bit of a shame from where he’s come (with his rehabilitation), to dive on one at fine leg and all of a sudden you’re hobbling around,” England's bowling coach added.
Patel reflected on England's not so impressive performance on the second day of the first Test against India. Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the team, he is expecting visitors to stage a comeback on Day 3.
“It was a tough day but the effort the guys put in were immense, through the roof almost. If you walked into the ground and didn’t know the score you’d almost think we were right on top of the game. Today proves what that changing room is about. We just need to make sure we come back, have that same attitude about how we take those three wickets, and the game will work itself out from there,” Patel concluded.
Ravindra Jadeja's robust fifty and KL Rahul’s classical knock steered India to a commanding position at the close of Day 2 of the first Test against England as they are strongly placed at 421/7, putting them significantly ahead of the visitors. Jadeja, on 81 not out, and Axar Patel, batting at 35, formed an unbroken partnership of 63 runs for the eighth wicket by the day's end. India's lead expanded to 175 runs, setting a challenging task for England when they bat on the third day.
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