In a setback for England, left-arm spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the remaining three Tests against India due to a left knee injury, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday (February 11).
Leach, who sustained the injury during England's first Test victory in Hyderabad, missed the second Test in Visakhapatnam. The decision not to call up a replacement indicates that England intends to persist with the spin trio of Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Basheer for the remainder of the tour.
England captain Joe Root serves as the team's fourth spin option, complementing the regular spinners.
Leach will be returning home from Abu Dhabi within the next 24 hours, where the England team has been based ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, scheduled to commence on Thursday, February 15. The ECB mentioned that Leach will collaborate closely with the England and Somerset medical teams for his rehabilitation.
The 32-year-old spinner boasts an impressive record of 126 wickets in 36 Tests and also contributes as a valuable lower-order batter.
IND vs ENG: England Team In Abu Dhabi For A Break Before Third Test
Meanwhile, in a rare instance, the touring England side opted for a getaway from the country in the middle of a Test series. With there being over a week's gap between the second and the third Test match and the second Test ending on Day 4 itself, the Three Lions went to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interestingly, it was the same place where they had met for a pre-series camp. The team will return to India days before the start of the third Test in Rajkot on February 15.