Jack Leach, 'Vulnerable To Covid-19', Doubtful For English Summer

Jack Leach participation for England this summer remains doubtful as he is ‘vulnerable to Covid-19’, according to a report in espncricinfo. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is mulling to resume the season with the three-Test series against the West Indies in July. The board had suspended competitive cricket in the country till July in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

Moreover, the UK government has brought in several measures for the athletes who can be at risk with Covid-19, due to their different health conditions. “Athletes or staff deemed ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ should continue to follow government advice. This currently includes maintaining ‘shielding’ and therefore, not engage in a return to organised training outside of the home.,” a new guideline issued by the government stated.

Jack Leach suffers from Crohn’s since he was 14

The bespectacled hero for England in the Headingley Test Jack Leach suffers from Crohn’s disease since he was 14 and has been kept under medication. According to reports, Crohn’s disease can sometimes cause life-threatening complications. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia and fatigue. For some people may be symptom-free most of their lives, while others can have severe chronic symptoms that never go away.

The medication under which Jack Leach has been treated helps him to manage the illness as it weakens his immune system, which puts him at further risk of being exposed to the Covid-19. The ECB will not want to risk their player at any cost in these crisis situation.

The board, meanwhile, continues to discuss with the board about the resumption of cricket in the country. It is widely reported that the sport can make a comeback by July with necessary precautionary measures at place.