Moeen Ali is replaced by Josh Tongue in England’s starting lineup for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s: All-rounder Moeen Ali will make way for seamer Josh Tongue in England’s starting lineup for the second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord’s. On Tuesday, June 27, the day before the Test, the announcement was made.
Tongue made his debut at the same location at the first test against Ireland and made an impression with his mobility and control. After going without a wicket in the first innings, he picked up five wickets in the second to help England to a 10-wicket victory in three days.
The decision to play tongue results in the home team choosing an all-seam attack, as all signs point to a bowler-friendly surface at Lord’s. A flat pitch with little in the way of bowler support was present for the first test at Edgbaston, as noted by veteran fast bowler James Anderson.
Rehan Ahmed had already been picked by the hosts as cover for Moeen, who battled to maintain control when bowling in the first test due to a blistering index finger. Since Joe Root is the lone leg spinner in the starting XI, the leg spinner must now wait for an opportunity to play in the Ashes.
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and James Anderson make up the England XI for the second Ashes Test.
At Lord’s, England hopes to recover and tie the Ashes series
Ben Stokes and company will be eager to tie the score when they take on Australia at Lord’s on Wednesday, June 28 after losing a nail-biting match at Edgbaston.
Australia was in serious trouble at 227/8 in the test, needing to win by two wickets to win 281, until skipper Pat Cummins and Nathon Lyon combined for an unbeaten 55-run stand.
Australia has not officially released their starting lineup for the Lord’s Test, but not many changes are anticipated from the lineup that helped them grab a 1-0 series lead. It is uncertain whether Mitchell Starc, who was omitted from the first match, will play this time.
At Lord’s, can England come back and tie the series? Post your thoughts in the section below.