SOMERSET cricket legend Sir Ian Botham says county spinner Jack Leach should have made the England side to take on Australia in this winter's Ashes series.

The Sky Sports pundit and Durham chairman was speaking after the touring party was announced - and didn't include Leach, despite the 26-year-old topping the wickets table for spinners in this season's County Championship.

Botham told Sky Sports News: "What has Jack Leach got to do to get into this side? He is well ahead of every other spinner in the figures over the last couple of years.

"Mason Crane has played T20I cricket for England but is uncapped in Tests.

"I would be pulling my hair out if I was him (Leach) - 'what else can I do? How do I get into the side?'

"Surely to goodness he has done enough to be the second spinner?"


READ MORE: Craig Overton makes the England Ashes squad


However, there was some good news for Somerset, with fast bowler Craig Overton making the squad.

The England squad for the Ashes tour:

Joe Root (captain), Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes (vice captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Mason Crane, Jake Ball, Craig Overton