Ashes 2023: England spinner Jack Leach ruled out of series with stress fracture

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England spinner Jack Leach is ruled out of the Ashes with a back stress fracture. The five-match Test series between England and Australia is set to start on June 16.

Leach played in the recently concluded Test match against Ireland and he developed lower back pain on Saturday (June 3). England won the Test match by 10 wickets and Leach underwent a test on Sunday.

A scan on Sunday has revealed the left-arm spinner suffered a lower back stress fracture (lumbar spine region), which has ruled him out of the upcoming Test series. England are yet to announce a replacement for Leach and are set to announce it in due course.

The 31-year-old spinner has played 34 Tests for England, picking up 124 wickets in those matches so far. He made his debut against New Zealand back in 2018 and has performed well for England in the recent past.

Leach joins the long list of England injuries ahead of the first Test against Australia. Pacer Jofra Archer is already out of the series with an elbow problem, whereas James Anderson is also doubtful after suffering a knock.

Olly Stone suffered a hamstring issue while playing for Nottinghamshire in the county cricket, while Jamie Overton is also playing only as a batter due to his back issue.