‘He’s not just saying things’ – Jack Leach opens up about playing under Ben Stokes in Tests

England spinner Jack Leach opened up about playing under Ben Stokes in Tests in the ongoing Ashes series. The 32-year-old spoke about Stokes’ leadership ability and the sense of camaraderie he has created within the group since his captaincy stint that began in 2022. The star all-rounder is yet to lose a Test series as captain and kind of revolutionized red-ball cricket in England along with the coach Brendon McCullum.

However, England have been on the back foot in the ongoing series as the hosts have already lost two of the first three matches played so far. Australia have taken a lead of 2-1 after winning the first two matches in Birmingham and London consecutively. However, England went on to save the series with a three-wicket win in Headingley with two matches to go.

‘Stokesy makes you want to run through a brick wall for him’ – Leach

Stokes has led England from the front in the ongoing series with batting as well as bowling as much as his body allows him to and playing a vital role with the bat in the middle order. Notably, his responsibility as a batter has been increased due to the poor of the wicketkeeper batter Jonny Bairstow. He made headlines for his fighting hundred in the fourth innings of the Lord’s Test. Speaking at the Vaughany and Tuffers podcast, Leach spoke about how Stokes unites the team with his talks as well as his actions.

“Stokesy makes you want to run through a brick wall for him, because you know he’d do the same. It feels weird to me that Ben Stokes would run through a brick wall for Jack Leach. I don’t get it. But he would. He’s not just saying things. He does them and he lives them.” Leach said as quoted by Sportskeeda.

“Look at Stokes. When he goes in at 400 for five, he usually hits one straight up. When he goes in at 100 for five, he will take his time, do what he needs to do, and then go at the right time. Very smart. He’s the greatest example for us to look up to.” he further added.