Jack Leach will have the task to unseat Steve Smith.
After earning earlier than expected call-up for Ashes 2019, England spinner Jack Leach on Sunday, 11th August, admitted that he has "nothing to lose" and is ready to play with no fear against Australia.
Leach is in line to play in the second Ashes Test to be played from Wednesday, 14th August, at Lord’s against high-flying Australia after replacing fellow spin bowler Moeen Ali in a 12-man England squad for the match after the hosts’ massive thrashing at Edgbaston.
Speaking at BBC radio programme Sportsweek, Leach said: “It feels like I’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I just want to go and do my thing.”
The 28-year-old grabbed eyeballs with his stunning 92 at Lord’s last month, as his innings helped England to beat Ireland in an Ashes warm-up four-day Test after they surrendered for just 85 in the first innings.
However, in the ongoing five-match Test series, all focus will be on Jack’s bowling as the hosts are looking to make the most of his spin bowling against Steve Smith, who is in incredible form with the bat, and the spinner is also hoping to do the same if he gets nod for the Lord’s Test.
The all-rounder continued, “There has been a focus on his supposed weakness against left-arm spin. I suppose those stats are there but I’ve just got to – if I’m in the 11 – I’ve got to do my thing and bowl as well as I can and see what happens.”
Leach signed off by saying, “It’s the same for every batter. I want to get every batter out. Yes, there’s Steve Smith but there are 10 other guys as well and I’ll be focusing on all of them.”
(With AFP Inputs)