English left-arm spinner Jack Leach replied to the query of bowling constantly outside leg-stump to Indian batters, something which Ashley Giles did on the 2001-02 Test series in India, and said that it might be something they can use at some point for sure.
During England’s tour of India in 2001-02, England left-arm spinner Ashley Giles tormented Indian batsmen by bowling over the wicket with leg-side traps.
However it was England’s captain Nasser Hussain who orchestrated this move of Giles to constantly bowl outside leg-stump but later admitted that it was the only way to stop the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag on a placid surface.
Replying to the query which read "Can we see a repeat of those tactics against the likes of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara", Leach said that he wouldn't want to change something but it might be something they can use at some point for sure.
"It could be, definitely. It's something that we've talked about in Sri Lanka, things like changing our angles and being adaptable within. It was something he found really helpful bowling over the wicket you know, for him and for his action as well. I mean I prefer to bowl round the wicket.
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“I feel like I've got more dismissals in play and I wouldn't want to change something just because someone else did something and it's about sticking to strengths, but yeah, it might be something we can use at some point for sure." Jack Leach said during a virtual press conference.
Speaking about preparations for his maiden tour of India, Leach remarked that it is a great opportunity for the visitors to test their skills against the best side in the world.
"Just a great opportunity isn't it. They're a quality side, coming on the back off a huge win in Australia. It's a good opportunity to test ourselves against, on paper, the best side in the world.
This is my first tour to India, so I'm eager to do well. Been looking at a bit of analysis about the Indian batsmen and we're kind of getting to know how they play," he said.
Jack Leach was one of the central figures behind England whitewashing Sri Lanka 2-0 away last month. The left-arm spinner grabbed a five-wicket haul (5/122) in the first Test and claimed 4/59 in the second.
Jake Leach’s next assignment will be the four-match Test series against India starting 5th February.
(Hindustan Times Inputs)
