Josh Tongue replaces Moeen Ali as England opt for all-seam attack in second Ashes Test at Lord's
- Planet Sport writer
- 27 June 2023
England have decided to go with an all-seam attack for the second Ashes Test against Australia, but surprisingly selected Josh Tongue as the fourth seamer.
Josh Tongue has been drafted into England's starting line-up for the second Ashes Test at Lord's as the hosts opted for an all-seam attack.
Moeen Ali, who struggled with a burst blister on his right index finger at Edgbaston, is left out in the only change from the narrow two-wicket defeat in the series opener.
All-rounder Moeen appeared to allay any concerns over his fitness by taking a full part in Monday's net session, but captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have chosen to go with four seamers at Lord's.
Tongue is preferred to the express pace of Mark Wood, who has not played Test cricket since December.
Seamers Chris Woakes and Matthew Potts were also overlooked.
Worcestershire bowler Tongue only made his Test debut against Ireland earlier this month but impressed with a maiden five-wicket haul and relished his chance to be the enforcer with a string of first-innings bouncers on a slow pitch at Lord's.
England could have picked teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, called up to the squad on Friday, had they wanted to go with another spin option, but have opted for Tongue and will rely on Joe Root's part-time off-breaks in their efforts to level the series in London.
