Ahead of the high-profile Test series against India, young fast bowler Eddie Jack has been specially invited to train with the England senior team. Jack impressed during the two four-day unofficial Tests for England Lions against India A. India will begin their next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
The 19-year-old Hampshire pacer grabbed attention by dismissing KL Rahul in the second unofficial Test held in Northampton. Rahul had scored a century in the first innings. Standing 6-foot-4, Jack reportedly impressed the England Lions coaching group, which included Andrew Flintoff, Mark Wood, and Graeme Swann, according to The Times (London).
Troubled Indian Batters Like Nitish Reddy and Dhruv Jurel
Jack is yet to make his County Championship debut for Hampshire but has played two first-class matches—both against India A. Earlier this year, he also represented England Under-19 in South Africa. Last month, he played for a Combined County XI in a warm-up match against Zimbabwe and took a five-wicket haul.
At Northampton, Jack consistently troubled top Indian players like Nitish Reddy and Dhruv Jurel. He eventually dismissed Jurel, who had been the Player of the Match during the Ranchi Test against England in 2022. In the second innings, Jack finished with 2 wickets for 71 runs.
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Five-Wicket Haul Against Zimbabwe
Last month, Jack claimed five wickets while playing for the Combined County XI against Zimbabwe. He followed it up by dismissing both Nitish Reddy and Dhruv Jurel during the unofficial Tests against India A. With consistent performances, he has now been included in the senior England squad as a backup and might even be drafted into the main playing XI if needed.
England’s Injury Concerns in Pace Department
England’s pace attack is already grappling with several injury setbacks ahead of the India series. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the first Test, and veteran Mark Wood will miss the entire summer due to injury. Young pacer Gus Atkinson is also recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe two weeks ago.
However, Chris Woakes has recovered and looked sharp against India A, taking 5 wickets in 32 overs. Josh Tongue also picked up 2 wickets, indicating his return to fitness. With the current situation, Eddie Jack has now been brought into the squad and is expected to travel with the team throughout the five-Test series.
