3. Looked Threatening at Lord’s
Josh Tongue was outstanding in the second match at Lord’s, taking five wickets and dismissing David Warner and Steve Smith in both innings. He bowled with good control, and if the conditions at Headingley suit seamers, England may rue their decision to sideline Tongue.
This absence is especially surprising given that Tongue has only played one match so far in the series, and one would have anticipated him to acquire a longer rope and settle into a place in the bowling lineup.
2. Ollie Robinson looked less threatening
Both Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad are comparable bowlers, and if England wanted to shake things up, Robinson could have been a better option to keep on the bench. In the second inning, he appeared to be done, as his speeds dipped far below 130 kmph.
Josh Tongue, on the other hand, was enthusiastic throughout and it was surprising that England did not keep him for the third Test. He looked significantly better than Robinson and was easily the most dangerous bowler at Lord’s.
1. Offers extra pace
Tongue’s batting credentials were the only thing that may have gone against him. England bats all the way down to number 11 with the additions of Mark Wood and Chris Woakes. Tongue, on the other hand, constantly hustled the Australian batting order at Lord’s and would have been an excellent ally to Mark Wood.
If England uses the short-pitched technique, the combination of Wood and Tongue would have provided Ben Stokes with an excellent attacking weapon. England already has Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad to keep to lines and lengths and apply pressure, which is where Tongue and Wood might have come in.