Nineteen-year-old Eddie Jack, a lanky fast bowler from Hampshire, has been drafted into England’s senior Test squad ahead of the opening clash against India at Headingley. Jack, who recently made headlines by dismissing KL Rahul in the unofficial Test at Northampton, is now in line to cover for the injured Josh Tongue. The England Lions quick, standing at 6’4”, caught the selectors’ eye with his ability to rattle top-order Indian batters in both innings. The young seamer, who has yet to feature in a County Championship match, has only two first-class appearances to his name — both against India A. His consistent pace, bounce, and discipline stood out. Rahul, fresh from a hundred in the first innings, became his most notable victim. In the second innings, Jack claimed 2 for 71, including the wicket of Dhruv Jurel, known for his gritty show against Bangladesh in 2022. Jack had also impressed earlier with a five-wicket haul in a tour game against Zimbabwe, playing for a combined counties XI. Read also: Gambhir demands “good pitch” as India begin lone prep for England Tests England’s Injury Crisis Opens Door for Raw Talent Jack’s sudden rise comes as England’s pace stocks face serious depletion. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the opening Test. Mark Wood is unavailable for the entire summer, and Gus Atkinson continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained against Zimbabwe. Tongue, who bowled against India A but limped off mid-match, is doubtful. That has pushed England to look at Jack as an emergency reinforcement, though his place in the playing XI is not yet confirmed. England’s selectors, including Andrew Flintoff and Graeme Swann, have closely monitored the Lions’ campaign. Jack’s inclusion in the senior group hints at a possible debut should Tongue not recover in time. Chris Woakes, also part of the Lions squad, took five wickets in the warm-up and is expected to lead the pace unit. The five-match series, starting June 20 in Leeds, will see India under a new Test captain, Shubman Gill. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from red-ball cricket, a fresh-look Indian side aims to end a 17-year drought in England.