England spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the five-match Ashes series against Australia due to a stress fracture in his back, the country’s cricket board (ECB) said on Sunday. Leach, who took four wickets in England’s 10-wicket win over Ireland in a one-off Test earlier this week, has been an ever-present in England’s squad under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, who claimed 46 Test wickets last year.
He was included in the 16-man squad for the first two Ashes Tests announced by England on Saturday. Leach’s injury is the latest major setback for England’s bowling department in the build-up to the series, with fast bowler Jofra Archer also ruled out.
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“The 31-year-old Somerset slow left-armer developed lower back symptoms during England’s win over Ireland on Saturday,” the ECB said in a statement.
“A scan in London on Sunday revealed a stress fracture, which will keep him out of the upcoming Ashes Test series…England will announce a replacement for the Ashes series in due course.” The Ashes begin on June 16 at Edgbaston.
Source: Hindustan Times