England’s Jack Leach has been withdrawn from the opening Test against New Zealand, and is in doubt for next week’s second Test, after being concussed in a fielding accident on day one at Lord’s.
Leach, who was playing his first Test on home soil since the 2019 Ashes, chased a ball to the third man boundary in the sixth over of New Zealand’s innings.
As he dived to prevent the ball touching the rope, he landed awkwardly on his head.
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The New Zealand medical staff were with him in seconds, followed shortly after by the England physio, with initial concerns for the 30-year-old’s neck.
After being assessed on the field Leach was able to walk back to the dressing room.
“Jack Leach has symptoms of concussion following his head injury whilst fielding,” the ECB said in a statement.
“As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from this Test.”
The ECB subsequently confirmed he will be out of action for at least seven days, as per concussion protocols. The second Test starts on June 10 at Trent Bridge.
“He’s a tough character,” said England Matthew Potts.
“It was a freak thing that can happen. The first thing he said was, ‘I’m fine – I saved the four though!’ That is testament to his character. He’s a tough lad. We said we are going to really hunt the ball down in the field and put in a good fielding display, which we did.”
Leg-spinner Matt Parkinson was called to Lord’s from Manchester to make his Test debut as the concussion replacement.
He’ll be able to bat on day two, with England resuming on 7-116, in reply to New Zealand’s first innings of 132.
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