'Thought I was playing in the IPL' - Jack Leach on being belted for sixes by Rishabh Pant

England’s frontline spinner Jack Leach has had a contrasting couple of days of Test cricket. On day three, Rishabh Pant had just dismantled his confidence. Playing his first Test in India, Leach didn’t get settled at all after the Indian wicketkeeper launched a complete assault on him.

After England beat India on the fifth day, Jack Leach, being one of the chief architects of the famous win, admitted that he didn’t enjoy the way Pant was smashing him all over the park. Being a left-arm spinner, Leach struggled to get settled against the hard-hitting Pant. The Delhi player hit Leach for five sixes in the first innings. 

At one point, Leach’s bowling figures were 0 for 77 from eight overs. The spinner, later on, admitted that he felt that he was playing in an Indian Premier League (IPL), considering his economy which was at a touching distance of 10. The spinner also credited his teammates for helping to get him in the right mood after that passage of play. 

I’m never going to enjoy 8 overs for 80, says Jack Leach

“Thought I was playing in the IPL! It was definitely a challenge. As a spinner, you got to expect that at times. But I’m never going to enjoy 8 overs for 80. So, it’s just about trying to stay strong and the boys really helped me out. It was a tough evening but I just wanted to come out stronger in the last 2 days,” Leach was quoted saying by Hindustan Times. 

After being dominated for those eight overs, Jack Leach slowly came back and found an ideal length for him. He took two wickets in the first innings and also the catch of Pant to dismiss him. In the second innings, with a little bit more help from the surface, the Somerset player took four wickets for 76 runs, setting up the English victory. 

Leach expressed that he is really happy to have done well in Indian conditions as this was his first opportunity to play here. He also expressed his happiness in contributing to the team’s cause. “This is my first time in India. They’ve got a great batting line-up and I sort of knew the pressure that comes with it. Really happy to get some wickets and help the boys over the line,” he added.