Former Australian fast bowler and Channel Seven commentator Trent Copeland believes England have a problem of their own creation in regards to Jack Leach.
Leach was targeted by the Australian batters who plundered him for 102 runs off just 13 overs during the first innings of the first Test at the Gabba.
The speculation in the lead up to the second Test in Adelaide is whether England should select the much-maligned spinner.
“It is a real conundrum,” Copeland said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“I’d be surprised if Jack Leach wasn’t in the team.
“But I don’t think Australia will be too disappointed with that either.
“They really targeted him last game and basically took him to pieces.”
Joe Root put the blame on himself for not setting appropriate fields for the left-arm spinner in Brisbane which allowed the likes of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head to dominate.
Copeland says if Leach is to play, he needs the support from his captain that he didn’t receive in the first Test.
“They really need to pick their moments,” he said.
“Joe Root needs to be in charge of getting him into the game where he’s not going to be dominated.”
Copeland says Root should look to the invaluable role that Nathan Lyon plays in the Australian bowling attack of holding up an end and give the other bowlers a rest.
“That’s the value of Nathan Lyon that a lot of people don’t talk about,” Copeland said.
“He’s a holding bowler and lets the quicks rest but he can also attack and take wickets at any stage.”
SEN Cricket Commentator and former England Captain Michael Atherton has been critical of the way England has used Leach in 2021 stating that if he was meant to be the spinner for the Ashes, he needed to have played for England throughout the year.
The teams will be announced at the toss on Thursday afternoon.
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