England spinner Jack Leach divulged that he has been watching clippings of India’s spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as he seeks inspiration for his preparation for the upcoming Ashes matches against Australia. He was inspired by Jadeja after the Indian team’s majestic game-play during a Test series in Australia last summer. Leach, who has played 16 Tests, taking 62 wickets said, “I don’t think (Jadeja) did too much different to what he does in India. That’s another nice thing to see. He’s taken what he does, is doing pretty similar things and having success.”
Leach also said that Australian counterpart Nathan Lyon was “impressive” and he had been observing how he bowls in the conditions here. “For years I’ve watched Nathan Lyon and he’s very impressive,” said Leach, who played a part at Leeds in 2019 as England snatched victory from Australia. While talking to reporters he shared the statement: “Just how strong his stock ball is and on wickets that don’t necessarily offer a lot spin wise he’s found ways to extract extra bounce, dip, and all the other things. They’re the kind of things that I’ve been trying to add in but still sticking to my strengths as well.”
Leach also told that he believe that the decision of all-rounder player Ben Stokes declaring himself “fit and hungry” for the marquee tournament after a long break from the game should help the team perform better. “From the summer, the feedback was that Stokes not being in the side, not having that all-round option in the top order, kind of made things difficult for me to get in the side. It’s great to have him back around and he’s been brilliant. He’s such a team man and the group is only better for having him in it,” he said.
Also, the England vs Australia tournament starts at the Gabba on December 8.
