The Ashes: England make bold selection call as seamer Josh Tongue replaces unfit Moeen Ali for Second Test
ngland have sprung a major surprise by naming seamer Josh Tongue in their attack for this week’s Second Ashes Test.
Moeen Ali has been left out in the only change from last week’s two-wicket defeat at Edgbaston, his blistered spinning finger considered too much of a risk despite the all-rounder coming through training on Monday and being considered fit to play.
England had called 18-year-old leggie Rehan Ahmed into their squad as cover for Moeen, but on what looks a green wicket at Lord’s have instead plumped for an all-seam attack, Ben Stokes declining to name a frontline spinner in his side for the first time since taking over the captaincy. Part-timer Joe Root will instead be relied upon to bowl spin.
Even then, Tongue’s inclusion ahead of the likes of Mark Wood and Chris Woakes is unexpected, though there are suggestions the former is carrying an injury.
Tongue only made his debut in the victory over Ireland at Lord’s earlier this month having been a late addition to that squad after James Anderson and Ollie Robinson were ruled out with minor injuries.
The Warwickshire quick impressed in that game, taking a maiden five-for in the second innings and touching speeds of 90mph while demonstrating his ability to bowl hostile bouncer spells.
“For him to show he’s more than one type of bowler does us the world of good as a team going forward, knowing we’ve found someone else who can fulfil the role of the guys with the extra pace,” Stokes said.
With a seven-day turnaround between matches, England have decided Anderson, Robinson and Stuart Broad are all ready to go again despite heavy workloads at Edgbaston.
Australia are yet to name their side but are considering replacing Scott Boland with left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc.
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