Jack Leach scared for his life after contracting sepsis in New Zealand

The England spinner admits his medical history made him doubt whether a career in Test cricket was a realistic dream

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England spinner Jack Leach admits he feared for his life while battling sepsis during the tour of New Zealand.

After suffering from food poisoning, the Somerset man was hospitalised by the condition after the first Test in Mount Maunangui.

Leach missed the second Test but was selected for the South Africa series later in the winter, however, he was unable to feature in the Tests due to the flu which hit much of the squad.

Documenting his experience in New Zealand, the 28-year-old told the Mail on Sunday: "I was lying in hospital thinking that I shouldn't fall asleep because I might not wake up. The medics were worried. I could feel I was fighting something quite severe.

Though now a staple of the England Test team, the Taunton-born left-armer doubted whether he had the endurance required to make a success of the five-day game.

The 28-year-old also suffers from Crohn's disease, a lifelong condition which affects the digestive system.

"I definitely had doubts," added Leach. "I lost confidence in my body. It was a bit of a wake-up call and made me think that I couldn't get away with certain things. I had to be more diligent."