Jack Leach's own cursed tour of South Africa is over after failing to recover from a series of illnesses that included sepsis at the back end of the previous tour.
Leach spent two nights in hospital in New Zealand following playing the first Test in Mount Maunganui, with suspected gastroenteritis, however it has now been revealed he was suffering from sepsis as a result of the infection.
He was struck again on this tour of South Africa as illnesses swept through the England camp with Leach picking up both the flu and gastroenteritis across a two week period that has left him way off full fitness for a Test match.
It means the 28-year-old left arm spinner who lives with Crohn's Disease which makes him more susceptible to infections, is now also a doubt for the two Test tour to Sri Lanka in March.
“It has been an unfortunate time for Jack with illness and since the Test series in New Zealand six weeks ago, he hasn’t been able to get 100 per cent fit,” said head coach Chris Silverwood.
“This has hampered his preparation in South Africa and despite his best endeavours he is not in a position to make himself available for selection for the final two Test matches.
“He is a great lad to have around the squad and his infectious personality and popularity will be missed.
However, his focus has to be getting himself better and receiving the optimum levels of recovery and treatment, which is best served back in England without any distractions.
“I have no doubt that he will return to full fitness in the medium-term and hopefully he will recover in time for our tour of Sri Lanka in March.”
