Jack Leach out of Test match with concussion after freak boundary rope incident

Jack Leach has withdrawn from England's first Test match of the summer after displaying concussion symptoms following a dive to save the ball from the boundary.

Matt Parkinson, the Lancashire leg-spinner, has been called-up to replace him and will make his Test debut as England's first ever concussion substitute.

Leach, the 30-year-old left-arm spinner, landed awkwardly on his head after trying to stop the ball reaching the boundary in just the sixth over of the match against New Zealand at Lord's.

Jack Leach hit his head after making a diving stop in the field earlier and has been withdrawn from the match after showing signs of concussion. pic.twitter.com/uDwGDLOjcG

England cricket released a statement after Leach received medical evaluation: "Jack Leach has symptoms of concussion following his head injury whilst fielding. As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from this Test. We will confirm a concussion replacement in due course."

Parkinson, 25, was later confirmed as the like-for-like replacement. He has represented England in both ODI and T20 formats but has not played a Test match despite being in numerous wider squads. There has been clamour for England to select the leggie after strong performances in the county game inlcuding a number of eye-catching wicket-taking deliveries.

Telegraph columnist and former England captain Michael Vaughan was among those calling for Parkinson to be given a chance before the Test squad was announced. Vaughan wrote: "I enjoy how Matt is bowling at the moment. He gets more drift than other leg-spinners like Mason Crane, now on loan from Hampshire at Sussex. He bowls with more side-spin and naturally looks to attack the stumps.

"We wasted the chance to find out more