Jack Leach ruled out of Vizag Test, set to be replaced by Shoaib Bashir

England left-arm spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the second Test against India in Vizag, starting on February 2. During the Three Lions's win against India in the first Test last week, he injured his knee while fielding during the first innings. In the first innings, the visitors won the toss and batted first, and were bowled out for 246.

In reply, the two-time World Test Championship finalists amassed 436 runs and after talking a lead of 190 runs, were set to win the game. In reply, the European side was reduced to 165/5. However, Ollie Pope's 196 helped the team reach 420 runs, asking the Asian side to chase 231 runs in five sessions. At the end of the day, India was 202/9 in the last over when the team lost the last wicket in the form of Mohammed Siraj.

During the second innings, Leach batted and bowled while battling with a busted knee. Now, ahead of the second Test, the left-hander has been ruled of the second Test, starting on February 2.

Hopefully, the injury doesn't rule out Jack Leach for longer: Ben Stokes

The England Test skipper was visibly disappointed with his experienced spinner being ruled out of the second Test. However, the former has suggested that Shoaib Bashir, who didn't feature in the first Test due to visa issues, will play in the next game.

“He’s ruled out of the second Test,” Stokes said at a press conference. “Hopefully, it does not keep him out for longer in the series.”

“When it came to selection of the squad, there wasn’t too much thought around him because everyone was very, very impressed with what Bash (Bashir) showed,” Stokes added. “Everything we wanted in our spin group was answered by Bashir.”