Brave Leach puts horror year of poor health behind him to pick up his second five-fer JAC K T H E G L A D

JACK LEACH waved goodbye to his horror year of wretched health to demonstrate that good things do come to those who wait.

Professionally, that meant his second fivewicket haul in Test cricket.

Not for the first time, Leach has faced down demanding off-field challenges and earned the right to prove he can deliver the goods on it.

And he did just that in a performance full of skill, character and, crucially, fitness.

It was hard to imagine when, or even if, Leach would send down almost 42 overs in an innings again.

Last year saw him hospitalised with sepsis in New Zealand, then rocked by another virus in South Africa.

But in the cloying heat of Galle the 29-year-old, who also suffers from Crohn’s disease, kept working away to take 5-122. England bowled out Sri

Lanka a second time to leave themselves 74 to win.

There was a second Test ton for Lahiru Thirimanne and 71 for Angelo Mathews.

The hosts put up an impressive fight in a bid to make up for their careless first innings implosion.

But for all their home advantage and determined batting, England spinners Leach and Dom Bess were happier with their lot.

Leach, in particular, could reflect on just how tough it had been for him to clamber back to the top of his trade.

The Somerset left-armer said: “The last 12 months haven’t been ideal but it is good to be out there and it was nice to get some wickets on my return.

“Coming back from South Africa after picking up more illness following what had happened in New Zealand was the toughest period for me.

“I was exhausted and I couldn’t get to a good enough level to play.

“I had to return home early – and that was a tough experience.

“Then we went into lockdown. I try and use those lows to propel me on to highs.

“If I’m healthy and fit and able to play, that’s the main thing. I don’t take that for granted.”

Leach found his way into the hearts of plenty thanks to his sidekick efforts in the 2019 Ashes with a bat and a pair of glasses.

But he has reminded everyone he does his most eye-catching work with the ball.