England’s left-arm spinner Jack Leach is very much in contention for a place in the playing XI after the 30-year-old was named in the 14-member squad for the second Test against New Zealand starting in Trent Bridge on June 10.

Leach had suffered a concussion in the opening Test at Lord’s while fielding and was replaced by Matt Parkinson. England, riding on a superb unbeaten 115 from former captain Joe Root, defeated the Black Caps by five wickets.

A report in The Cricketer said on Monday that England had named a 14-member squad for second Test with Leach “officially” added to the squad for the game. The report added that “in line with concussion protocols, the leg-spinner will rest for a minimum period of seven days before making a gradual return to action.”

This means Leach can decide if he wants to be a part of the second Test or give himself some more time to recover.

Meanwhile, Craig Overton and Harry Brook, who were released to play the T20 Blast midway through the Lord’s Test as they were not in the playing XI, have also been named in the 14-member squad.

England squad: Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Joe Root.

Press Release, Source: IANS