Jack Leach aims to haunt Pakistan as he issues clear threat to Babar Azam and Co.

Jack Leach is back with revenge, as he’s ready to reclaim his spot in the England Test side after a scintillating 12-wicket performance that led Somerset to victory over Durham in the ongoing County Championship 2024.

The England spinner has spent much of the last 18 months battling back and knee injuries that saw him fall down the pecking order.

But after his latest County Championship 2024 heroics, he’s gunning for a place in England’s squad for the upcoming Test tour to Pakistan.

Jack Leach’s 12-wicket haul puts him back in England Test contention

It’s been a tough road for Leach, as his Somerset teammate Shoaib Bashir has already stolen the spotlight and delivered three five-wicket hauls in his first eight Tests. But now, the seasoned spinner is reminding everyone why he was England's go-to option just a short while ago.

With his match-winning performance against Durham, Leach has sent a clear message that he is ready to reclaim his throne.

Leach is hungry to get back his spot in the England squad for the upcoming Test series in Pakistan next month, having played a key role in the team’s dominant 3-0 sweep in 2022.

He had claimed 15 wickets during England’s last tour of Pakistan. Now, with England set to return to Pakistan again in October 2024, Leach has made it clear that he’s ready for the challenge if the national selectors pick him.

Despite the rise of Bashir, Leach isn’t one to shy away from the competition, as he has embraced the challenge. He is pushing himself to return to peak form after his battle with injuries.

The gritty left-arm spinner has been in great form in the ongoing County Championship 2024, and he feels England would go with more than one spinner for the Pakistan tour, and he wants to be one of them.

If England needs me, I am more than happy to go: Leach

Jack Leach was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “I totally understand the reason why Bash has been selected. I rate him really highly and think he is already a very good bowler with a lot of promise for the future. We have worked together a lot, and I am very proud of him and want to see him flourish. But there is a tour to Pakistan coming up, and if England needs me, I am more than happy to go.”

The English spinner added, “I would imagine they will take more than one spinner, and I feel I am getting back to my best after almost a year with niggles that have taken some overcoming. You don't always realize how hard it is to come back from injuries.

Long spells like I have had against Durham certainly help in that respect. It would be nice if both Shoaib and myself could make the Pakistan tour, and there is no reason why that can't happen. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I am as determined as I ever have been to play for England.”