England spinner Jack Leach was over the moon after getting his 100th Test scalp on Saturday (December 10), calling it a “special” achievement.

Leach achieved the feat in his 31st Test by dismissing Saud Shakeel on Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan.

The left-arm spinner returned with the figures of 4 for 98 in his 27 overs as England bundled out Pakistan for 202 to take a handy first-innings lead of 79 runs.

“I just felt like… 100 wickets feels like quite a lot,” said Leach after stumps on the second day. “And it’s more than I felt I’ll ever achieve.”

“I need to remember that. As sportsmen and as people, it’s easy to just push on to the next thing and the next thing and the next thing, and nothing’s ever enough.”

“If you told me that when I was a kid that I’d take 100 wickets, I would have laughed at you,” he added.

“So yes, it is special.”

Leach, 31, has faced health issues during his career, including Crohn’s disease, a bowel condition.

“I’m aware everyone has their challenges, I’m aware mine have been quite out there. That’s good because I want to be open and honest with people,” he said.

“There’s been some definite lows along the way, but it does sort of make it all worth it.”

Coming to the Rawalpindi Test, the visitors have posted 202/5 in their second innings at the close of play on Day 2, extending their lead to 281 runs. Having won the first Test in Rawalpindi, the Ben Stokes-led side has already taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

(With AFP inputs)