Ashes 2019 | I’ve got nothing to lose, and a lot to gain, says Jack Leach on Ashes call-up

Although being a left-arm spinner is his primary profession, Leach’s big moment on the cricket field came when he struck 92, as a night-watchman to rescue England from an embarrassing defeat to Ireland. The 28-year-old has now been called-up to the Ashes squad for the second Test in place of off-spinning all-rounder Ali.

“It feels like I’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I just want to go and do my thing,” Leach told BBC radio programme Sportsweek, reported AFP.

It is understood that Leach will be assigned the role of containing Steve Smith. The Aussie hit centuries in both innings of his side’s 251-run victory in the first Test. England are looking at Leach to exploit his supposed weakness against left-arm spin. However, Leach himself is keen to avoid all the focus on a single batsman. 

“There has been a focus on his supposed weakness against left-arm spin. I suppose those stats are there but I’ve just got to – if I’m in the 11 – I’ve got to do my thing and bowl as well as I can and see what happens. It’s the same for every batter. I want to get every batter out. Yes, there’s Steve Smith but there’s 10 other guys as well and I’ll be focusing on all of them,” Leach added.

The second Test will be underway from August 14.