IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Is Teenager Sohail Bashir Going To Make England Debut?

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IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes confirmed that Jack Leach will miss the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam from February 2 because of a knee injury he suffered during the first Test against Hyderabad. This has opened up chances for 16-year-old Sohail Bashir's chances of debut.

Leach fell on his knee twice while fielding in the first Test. Leach didn't take part in the team's training session on Wednesday and was seen receiving treatment from the physio on the sidelines.

“He’s ruled out of the second Test. Hopefully, it does not keep him out for longer in the series” Stokes said ahead of the second Test.

Ben Stokes praised Somerset spinner Shoaib Bashir who faced visa issues before landing in India. The 20-year-old off-spinner is likely to make his debut in the second Test.

“When it came to selection of the squad, there wasn’t too much thought around him because everyone was very, very impressed with what Bash (Bashir) showed. Everything we wanted in our spin group was answered by Bashir” Stokes added.

Leach had jarred his left knee while fielding on the first day of the Hyderabad Test, which England won by 28 runs. He played through pain, bowling 26 overs in the first innings and 10 in the second essay despite bruising and swelling around the joint. He was seen limping during Wednesday's training session.

England opener Zak Crawley is confident that Bashir, if given an opportunity, will do well.

"He is a great kid. He has got a lot about him. He knows what he is trying to do with his bowling and he backs himself. I like that and feel like if he got his chance in this series he would go well."