Tongue Debuts in England's Ashes Attack

England has announced an all-seam attack strategy for the second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord’s. Making his Ashes debut, Josh Tongue has been named as a replacement for spinner Moeen Ali after his impressive performance of 5-66 on his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s earlier this month.

During the first Test, Moeen faced difficulties due to a blister on his spinning finger, resulting in him being limited to bowling only 14 overs in Australia’s second innings at Edgbaston.

Despite seeming fit in the net session before the second Test, England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have decided to go with four seamers.

Mark Wood, who hasn’t played Test cricket since December 2022, was overlooked in favor of Tongue. Chris Woakes and leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed were also not selected for the match.

With Moeen out of the XI, England’s primary spin option will be captain Joe Root, who bowled 22 overs in the first Test and claimed one wicket.

The England team for the second Test will consist of Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and James Anderson.

After a thrilling two-wicket defeat in the first Test at Edgbaston, England will be determined to level the series in the upcoming match.