Taunton's Top Man Jack Is The Ideal Wingman

JACK Leach may have been an unlikely batting hero at Headlingley but back home in Taunton those who know him best were in no doubt their man had the character to withstand the pressure of the big occasion.

- Jeremy Blackmore

They have seen Leach overcome a number of challenges on his way to winning his spot as England's number one spinner in an Ashes battle.

Diagnosed with Crohn's disease in his early teens, Taunton-born Leach worked hard to earn a place on the Somerset Academy. He later played a prominent role in the club's 2016 Championship challenge despite missing much of the previous season due to sustaining a broken skull after fainting at home.

His 65 Championship wickets in 2016, many of them on turning surfaces at Taunton, put him in prime position for a winter tour spot to Bangladesh and India. His hopes were dashed when his action was found to be illegal, requiring remedial work. He admitted to some dark days that year but bounced back to make his Test debut against New Zealand at the start of 2018.

Bad luck struck again early in 2018 when he was ruled out of a maiden home Test due to a broken thumb sustained during practice. On return to action, he suffered concussion after being hit on the head while batting.