Wednesday 4 April 2018 10:42, UK
Jack Leach holds England's spin-bowling position for this summer's home series against Pakistan and India, says Trevor Bayliss.
Left-arm spinner Leach earned praise from Bayliss and captain Joe Root for his England debut against New Zealand in the second Test in Christchurch, where he posted figures of 2-61 from 32 second-innings overs as the Kiwis denied England victory.
England drew the match, confirming a second series defeat to follow their 4-0 Ashes trouncing, but the emergence of Leach - also assured with the bat at number 10 - is a positive for the leadership team.
Asked about Leach's future inclusion, Bayliss said: "He's the one who holds the position at this stage, and I thought he had a good game for someone playing his first Test.
"He had good composure.
"The wicket was still pretty good on the fifth day. But he didn't give much away, and I'm sure in time he'll improve."
Leach missed a chance to tour India two years ago because of a Loughborough test on his action which unexpectedly threw up an illegal kink he had to iron out urgently.
But he and returning fast bowler Mark Wood got their chances after England dropped out-of-form all-rounder Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes.
Root said: "They both played a massive role in the attack - to complement Stuart [Broad] and Jimmy [Anderson] how they did was excellent."
Asked specifically about Leach, he added: "I think it was a very encouraging debut.
"To come in and to bowl like he did, even though he didn't probably get the rewards he deserved. I thought he stood up to that expectation of leading the attack on occasions."
As well as his wickets, Leach had two important catches dropped off his bowling as New Zealand hung on for their precious stalemate on 256 for eight.
"He looked massively in the game throughout the day," said Root. "It's great for us as a side to see Jack come in and perform like he has. At times, he looked like a top-order batter as well."
