SOMERSET’s left-arm spinner Jack Leach, overlooked by the England selectors for the tour of India, has responded in typical fashion by getting his head down and carrying on doing what he does best - taking wickets.

The Taunton Deane boy who last season took 68 First Class wickets for Somerset is out in Dubai with the England Lions where he has enjoyed considerable success in the one-day matches he has played in against UAE, writes Richard Walsh.

Earlier this week, the 25-year-old was presented with his Lions cap by Graham Thorpe.

Leach said: “It was a very proud moment, and to receive it from an England legend in Graham Thorpe was great.

"He had some wise words and it made me reflect on how far I've come and gave me a taste of what could still come.

"I was really happy to have Craig (Overton) in the team with me, too, on my debut as I was a little nervous as you want to impress."

Talking about his time with the Lions the local hero said: “It has been good to get out and play in the heat - in fact, at times it's been pretty hot and sweaty and something which takes a bit of getting used to.

“The first couple of weeks was all training - long days working on our skills in these conditions.

"We've just completed a three-match series against the UAE which we managed to win 3-0.”

On Wednesday, the Lions began a four-day game against Afghanistan to finish the tour in Abu Dhabi.

Talking about what he has been working on Leach said: “I think for me it has been about getting used to new conditions.

"I am always working on a couple of technical things to keep getting the action as strong as possible but, apart from that, it's about learning my game and adapting it to different situations.”

Reflecting on the fact he hadn’t been called up for the full England squad, as Liam Dawson was preferred as a replacement for the injured Zafar Ansari, he said: “I was very happy for Liam Dawson, as he's a top guy and top player.

"I have to stay patient, keep taking wickets and keep getting better.

"The Lions programme is giving me a great opportunity to do that so I have to grab it with both hands.”

In a message for his fans, 'Our Jack' said: “I would like to thank everyone for their unbelievable support.

"It means so much to me and makes me so determined to repay that support as best I can!”

Leach returns from the Middle East next week but will hoping to be included in the Lions tour party for the trip to Sri Lanka in the New Year that will be announced before Christmas.

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In other Somerset CCC news, Pete Trego, who last season topped 1,000 championship runs for the first time in 2016, has signed an extension to his contract that will see him remain with Somerset until the end of 2018.

And the club have just announced that their captain for next season will be revealed on Wednesday, December 21.