'Expect him to come back strong tomorrow' - England bowling coach backs Jack Leach after off day

England’s bowling coach Jon Lewis has come forward to defend spinner Jack Leach after day two’s play of the first Ashes Test. The hosts dominated the proceedings at Gabba as at stumps on day two they have the lead of 196 runs. For England, Ollie Robinson was the pick of the bowlers who scalped three wickets.

After a 156-run second-wicket stand between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, Australia was reduced to 195 for 5. But then Travis Head took the mantle to hold the fort of the side. He remained unbeaten on stumps on day two after having hit an impressive century.

However, Leach had quite a forgettable day. The spinner bowled 11 overs, conceding 95 runs, and picked up just one wicket. England’s bowling coach however stated that Leach will bounce back stronger and that the team isn’t defeated yet.

I’d expect Jack Leach to come back strong again tomorrow: Jon Lewis

“It wouldn’t be one of Leach’s best days. It will be a day he wants to put the back of his memory. But I know that Jack’s a pretty resilient fella. And there are only days gone in the Test match. We’re definitely not defeated yet. I’d expect Jack to come back strong again tomorrow and show the character that I know he has. There’s a lot more cricket to be played,” England’s bowling coach said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

As Leach had an off day on the field there were suggestions that the visitor should have played an extra pacer. Lewis dismissed the suggestions and said that the decision on the team was taken after judging the pitch. He also backed the team to present a tough fight in the next three days.

“I don’t think so. We looked at the pitch on the morning of the game and decided to go with the make-up of the team that we have. That was what we felt was the right decision and I think if we’d all bowled to the best of our ability then we’d have put Australia under a bit more pressure than they were today. However, we still took seven Australian wickets today. We are a bit behind in the game, but I know the guys will come back fighting in the next three days,” Lewis added.