In a major jolt to England team, their star spinner Jack Leach has withdrawn from the first Test against New Zealand before lunch on Day 1 on Thursday. Leach, playing his 23rd Test in England's first match since Ben Stokes was named captain, had not yet had the opportunity to bowl when he set off in pursuit of a Devon Conway drive off Stuart Broad in the sixth over.
The Somerset man did superbly to prevent a boundary with a lunge towards the rope, but he appeared to land awkwardly on his neck as he tumbled forwards.
Leach did not immediately get up and required treatment, exiting the match but able to walk himself back to the dressing room.
An ECB statement soon revealed: "Jack Leach has symptoms of concussion following his head injury whilst fielding.
"As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from this Test. We will confirm a concussion replacement in due course."
Jack Leach has symptoms of concussion following his head injury whilst fielding. As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from this Test. Leach's replacement is yet to be decided.
Talking about the match, debutant pacer Matthew Potts scalped three wickets in the first session as England restricted New Zealand to 39/6 at Lunch on Day 1 at Lord's.
After electing to bat, New Zealand suffered a batting collapse, and were 39/6 till Lunch.
Potts snared three wickets after James Anderson and Stuart Broad had shared three wickets between them. Potts registered his first Test wicket after removing New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. He then dismissed Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell, respectively, to announce his arrival in style.
England are under new coach Brendon McCullum and a new captain and will be hoping the new leadership will also bring a change in results.
New Zealand, meanwhile are returning to England after winning the series there last year as well and then the World Test Championship final against India. While New Zealand will be without Henry Nicholls, who has been ruled out with an injury, Trent Boult has been declared fit to feature. England named veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad in their playing XI. Durham pacer Matthew Potts is also set to make his debut, while Alex Lees will continue to open.
