Jack Leach’s withdrawal from the Ashes with a stress fracture of the back has left England with ‘big shoes to fill’ on the eve of the series.
With no comparable spin option in terms of style or experience for the home side to choose from in the county game, whoever Australia are faced with will be a step down from Leach’s increasing reliability and quality.
As one of five ever present players in the Test side and joint top wicket taker in the last year under Stokes, Leach was expected to have a major role to play in this summer's Ashes.
He had bowled almost 200 overs more than the next man under Stokes which is why Aussie batter Steve Smith is spot on when he describes the hole left by the missing spinner.
“The news of Leachy broke yesterday and I think it's a real shame,” said Smith, who's arrival to training at the Oval had been delayed by a Just Stop Oil go-slow protest. “You know, he's done really well for England over the last 12 - 18 months in particular.
“And I think it's going to be some big shoes for them to fill. I don't know what way they'll go but they are big shoes to fill. I obviously feel for him. He wants to be involved in the big series and Ashes series. So hopefully he recovers well.”
It is no exaggeration to say that whoever does replace Leach will be less of a threat to Smith’s remaining Ashes ambitions. Still yet to win a series in England, the 34-year-old may not get another chance after this series even if he won’t put a timeline on his Test departure unlike David Warner.
Warner wants to call time in the next Australian summer with a swansong at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of his home fans, but that isn't where Smith's head is at just yet.
"No," was Smith's pointed answer when invited to offer thoughts on his own career arc. " I don't know. It's nice to have an end date I suppose if that's the way you want to go. But ultimately as it is for all of us we've got to be doing our job
“Every game you play for your country is important, but yes certainly the Ashes here - it's one that's eluded us, we've never won here.
“We got close last time but couldn't quite get over the line but it's certainly something that I'd love to tick off my bucket list, winning an Ashes Series here.
