Jack Leach will resume his England career at Trent Bridge after recovering from the concussion symptoms that ruled him out of the first Test at Lord's.
Skipper Ben Stokes called it an 'easy decision' to return to Leach as his first choice spinner once he had proven his fitness and undergone the standard return to play concussion protocols. And Leach was also praised for his commitment in the field that lead to his injury, because he had been following the demands of head coach Brendon McCullum to the letter.
Leach was substituted out of the game in London on the first morning after banging his head while fielding a ball on the boundary. With the Somerset left arm spinner feeling dizzy following the tumble, he was replaced in the side by Matt Parkinson who had been enjoying a barbecue at his home in Manchester.
Parkinson did ok on debut after the late SOS call, taking 1-47 in his first bowl in Test cricket, having Tim Southee caught at slip by Joe Root. However Leach was the first choice spinner over the winter and remains in possession of the spot this summer.
"It was an easy decision," said Stokes. "It was pretty unfortunate what happened to Leachy last week at Lord’s, but he’s pulled up well this week and it was pretty straightforward once we knew he was fit to play. He was so excited to get the summer going.
"We all know that one of Baz’s things is for fielders to chase the ball right to the boundary. He made a very good point, and made Leachy stand out, that little thing epitomises what this team is all about.
"He was obviously bitterly disappointed, but then throughout the week saw the commitment that everyone was giving in the field. Baz’s input into this team has rubbed off very quickly and easily."
Stokes also made it clear that he too was fine to continue in his full role as the team all rounder, despite holding his side at times during training.
He added: "I’m fine, just a bit stiff. Just the body taking time to warm up. It is about being more sensible around training, because when you get out there you want to do everything you can to help win a game for England."
England XI: Zak Crawley (Kent), Alex Lees (Durham), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Jack Leach (Somerset), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), James Anderson (Lancashire).
