Jack Leach replaces Mason Crane in the England squad for New Zealand Tests
Published - 16 Mar 2018, 04:05 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:50 PM
The left-arm orthodox spinner Jack Leach has earned a call-up to the England Test side for the two-Test series in New Zealand. He will replace Mason Crane in the squad, who sustained a lower back stress fracture.
Leach made a mark during England Lions’ tour of Caribbean as he picked up 17 wickets in the three unofficial Tests against Windies A. Also, he has an impressive first-class record with 184 wickets from 54 matches at an average of 25.95. Leach returned with 51 wickets in the last County Championship season in the 14 games he featured.
However, it’s very likely Leach will have to wait for his opportunity as England might go in with Moeen Ali as the lone spinner in the playing XI in both Tests.
Crane sustained a stress fracture:
England’s bowling coach, Chris Silverwood confirmed the news of Crane’s injury. He also admitted that Crane is a lit bit upset with the injury.
“The scan results have shown he has a partial stress fracture of the back, we’ve caught it relatively early so unfortunately, he’s going home,” Silverwood said. “Like anybody would be, he’s a little bit upset he’s going home but that’s life and part and parcel of professional sport,” he added.
Crane has played just one Test so far and made his debut in the fifth, and final Ashes Test against Australia. He picked up a lone wicket as England lost the Test by an innings and 123 runs.
Meanwhile, England will take on the hosts in a Day-Night Test from March 22. The teams will then face in the final match of the tour, in the second Test from March 30.
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