NEW DELHI: England spinner Jack Leach displayed determination and resilience by bowling with an injured knee on the second day of the opening Test against India.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Leach delivered 16 overs on a demanding day for the tourists in Hyderabad. India took advantage of the situation, amassing a total of 421-7 to extend their first innings lead to 175.
Assistant coach Jeetan Patel expressed confidence in Leach's recovery, stating that he would be "back and raring to go."
The commitment shown by Leach in continuing to bowl despite the injury reflects his dedication to contributing to the team's performance. His return to full fitness will likely be eagerly awaited by the England camp as they navigate through the Test series against India.
"He banged his knee last night, the first dive down at fine-leg. Then he banged it again today and it's giving him a little gyp to be honest," Patel, a former New Zealand spinner, told reporters.
"You noticed in the outfield he was a little sluggish trying to get to balls, but he stuck at it and I thought he actually bowled really, really well."
Patel continued: "That's what Jack does for this team, he'll always put in. But it's a bit of a shame from where he's come, to dive on one at fine-leg and all of a sudden you're hobbling around.
"He'll be back, he's one of the strongest guys in the team. We've had to share the load and I thought the guys did really well."
In the absence of the injured Leach, England's Joe Root and debutant Tom Hartley stepped up to share the bowling load. Both Root and Hartley managed to claim two wickets each, contributing to the team's efforts in restricting India.
Despite Leach's injury, the 32-year-old left-arm spinner displayed remarkable discipline and control during his spells. Throughout the day, Leach bowled six spells, including two of four overs each. He maintained an impressive economy, conceding just 30 runs and delivering four maiden overs.
Patel hopes the bowler will take the field come day three.
"I hope he's not (restricted)," said Patel. "He's got another night to rest it, he's a tough bloke and he'll be raring to go.
"He's never going to shirk the responsibility of the job he has but it's about being smart as well. We've got four Tests to go and another innings at the back end of this game. We need a key man like Jack."
The former off-spinner added: "It is sore enough. You watch him in the outfield and I don't think it's a graze.
"For him to come back and keep bowling the overs he did...I believe he'll be back in the fourth innings."
Leach dismissed skipper Rohit Sharma for 24 on Thursday after England posted 246 following their decision to bat first at the start of the five-match series.
(With AFP inputs)
