Jack Leach began feeling discomfort during England’s victory over Ireland (Picture: Getty)
England spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the upcoming Ashes series against Australia with a back stress fracture.
Leach, 31, was the only specialist spinner selected in England’s squad for the first two Ashes Tests.
But the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed that Leach will play no part in the series after suffering a back injury.
Leach, who has taken 124 wickets in 35 Tests, began feeling discomfort during England’s 10-wicket win over Ireland at Lord’s.
Subsequent scans have revealed a stress fracture that will keep Leach out of the five-match Ashes series, which starts on June 16 at Edgbaston.
The ECB say Leach’s replacement will be announced in due course.
Leach has played in all 13 of England’s Tests since Ben Stokes took over as captain, taking 45 wickets.
He claimed match figures of 4-125 as England thumped Ireland by 10 wickets in their only warm-up game before the Ashes.
More to follow…
A huge blow.