Aoba Tanaka 
In a challenging turn of events for England on the second day of the Test in Hyderabad, left-arm spinner Jack Leach sustained a left knee injury, compounding the team’s struggles against a dominant Indian side. The injury, sustained while attempting to save a boundary on day one, limited Leach to just 16 overs on day two, leaving England grappling with a spin attack setback.
Jeetan Patel, England’s spin-bowling coach, shed light on Leach’s injury, revealing that the spinner had banged his knee twice, causing discomfort. Patel acknowledged Leach’s resilience but expressed concern about the seriousness of the injury. Despite the setback, Patel believes Leach will return for the fourth innings, showcasing the spinner’s commitment to the team.
England’s captain, Joe Root, stepped up to the bowling crease in Leach’s absence, contributing 2 for 77 in 25 overs. The debutant left-arm spinner, Tom Hartley, and the 19-year-old leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed also played roles, with Hartley securing his first two wickets in Test cricket. However, inconsistencies in their performances allowed India to reach 421 for 7 at stumps.
While Patel remained optimistic about England’s chances in the ongoing Test, he emphasized the importance of Leach’s recovery overnight. With four Tests remaining in the series, Patel acknowledged the significance of having a key player like Leach at full strength.
The injury to Leach adds to England’s challenges in the first Test, and the team will be hoping for a swift recovery for their primary spinner. As the series unfolds, England faces the task of regrouping and addressing the hurdles posed by a formidable Indian side in the challenging conditions of Hyderabad.
