Matt Parkinson presses claim for first Test start after England debut

Action Images via Reuters
Will Macpherson8 June 2022

England will assess their spin bowling stocks over the next two days in training ahead of Friday’s Second Test against New Zealand.

Jack Leach is making good progress in his recovery from the concussion he suffered in the first half-hour of the opening Test at Lord’s.

Concussion protocols mean Leach can return to full training tomorrow — a week after the incident — as long as he is no longer showing symptoms. The squad joined up in Nottingham this morning and Leach was set to play a limited part in this afternoon’s session.

Debutant Matt Parkinson was subbed into the match as Leach’s replacement, and he took a maiden wicket, the last to fall of New Zealand’s second innings, as England pushed for victory.

He requested to play for Lancashire in last night’s Vitality Blast clash in Leicester and picked up two for 27 in his four overs.

Parkinson remains in the box seat to win his second cap at Trent Bridge, but Leach has an opportunity to prove his readiness.

Depending on conditions and how their quicks pull up — although not bowling after lunch on day three at Lord’s will have helped — it is possible England opt to bring Craig Overton into the side.

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