England star Jack Leach withdrawn from New Zealand Test match with ‘concussion’ after nasty head smash while fielding

ENGLAND star Jack Leach was forced off against New Zealand due to concussion and is OUT of the rest of the Test.

The spin bowler, 30, landed awkwardly on his head when trying to stop the ball reaching the boundary in the morning session on the opening day of the Lord's test.

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A concussion replacement is available and England have called up Lancashire leg-spinner Matt Parkinson who will make his Test debut.

The incident occurred in just the sixth over with England getting off to a fantastic start, taking five wickets for just 22 runs at one point.

Jimmy Anderson led the way with two wickets - dismissing New Zealand's opening pair Tom Latham and Will Young for a combined two runs.

Debutant Matty Potts then got in on the action with his first wicket - bowling Kane Williamson.

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The 23-year-old's day got even better when he bowled Daryl Mitchell soon after to put England in a commanding position early on.

Minutes later Potts was on cloud nine as he grabbed a third wicket dismissing Tom Blundell.

New captain Ben Stokes will be delighted with his team's start - as will the selectors who picked Durham star Potts.

The ECB was the target of criticism for the prices of tickets which left a number of seats unsold, but those in attendance certainly got their money's worth.

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Prior to the match Stokes spoke about wanting his team-mates to pay with freedom and carefree attitude of youngster Potts is already working wonders.

The England skipper said: "I want guys to believe they’re not going to have black marks next to their name if something goes wrong.

“It’s about making guys believe we have their backs.

“It’s not going to happen overnight — it’s about making the English Test team great again, which I’m very passionate about.

“I want everyone to feel free under my captaincy. There has been talk about the word ‘reset’ — which is something I don’t particularly like.

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“I just see this as a complete and utter blank canvas for this Test team.

“Everyone is starting fresh now — whether you are Matt Potts, Stuart Broad or Jimmy Anderson.”