England spinner Mason Crane has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand after suffering a lower back stress fracture.
It is Leach’s first senior England call-up. The 26-year-old Somerset spinner has taken 116 wickets for the county in the past two seasons and impressed for England Lions during their tour of the West Indies.
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After Crane was ruled out, England bowler James Anderson told the BBC that he believes he will “come back strong” from his injury setback.
Anderson said: “I’ve been there myself. Mason has got got a good head on his shoulders and I’m sure he’ll come back strong. What is unfortunate for someone is a bit of fortune for someone else. It’s a good opportunity for Jack.”
England play New Zealand in two Test matches - in Auckland starting on 22 March and in Christchurch starting on 29 March.
England’s 16-man Test squad to play New Zealand
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
New Zealand vs. England Test fixtures
England play two Test matches during their tour of New Zealand:
- 1st Test match: 22-26 March at Eden Park in Auckland (daily play starts at 1am UK time)
- 2nd Test match: 29 March-April 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch (daily play starts at 11pm UK time)
How to watch England’s tour of New Zealand
Sky Sports Cricket will show live coverage from both Test matches between England and New Zealand.
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