England suffer Test blow as spinner Leach breaks thumb

England have suffered a blow on the eve of their squad announcement for the first Test of the summer against Pakistan after it was confirmed that spinner Jack Leach has suffered a broken thumb.

Leach was absent from Somersets bowling attack yesterday as his side played out a high-scoring draw against Hampshire at Taunton after being struck on his bowling hand during the morning warm-up.

The extent of the injury was confirmed later and, although no timeframe for his recovery has been given, he is expected to miss the opening showdown with Pakistan, which gets underway on 24 May.

Leach, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in Christchurch in March, had been tipped to remain within the mix when new national selector Ed Smith names his first squad since assuming the role on Tuesday.

There was better new for James Vince, whose place in the Test side is under scrutiny following an at times difficult winter, as he posted an unbeaten double century in Hampshires second innings.

Hampshire captain Vince said: “I havent been thinking too much about England selection and the innings was mainly for the team, but hopefully it helps in that direction too.”

[contf]
[contfnew]

CityAM

[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]