England’s XI for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s has been announced, with Worcestershire pacer Josh Tongue making his way into the team. This surprising inclusion comes after Moeen Ali was ruled out due to a finger injury suffered during the previous match at Edgbaston. Tongue’s selection has raised a few eyebrows, despite his recent success against Ireland at the same venue.

During the match against Ireland, Tongue showcased his skills by taking 5 wickets for 66 runs in the second innings. His aggressive approach brought an element of unpredictability to England’s bowling attack, particularly on a slow pitch. His impressive performance significantly contributed to England’s ten-wicket victory. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

The England XI for the Lord’s Test features only one change from the team that suffered a two-wicket defeat in the first Test at Edgbaston. James Anderson, who had a disappointing comeback after a groin injury, has retained his place, along with the standout seamers from the previous match, Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad.

The omission of Mark Wood, widely regarded as England’s fastest bowler currently, is surprising once again. It seems Tongue’s ability to deliver long spells compensates for the absence of a specialist spinner. Joe Root, the England captain, took on a significant portion of the spin-bowling duties at Edgbaston, including overs leading up to the new ball on the final day. He is expected to do so once more for the squad.

Despite Tongue’s fine performance against Ireland earlier this month at Lord’s, his selection for the Ashes Test comes as a surprise. The 25-year-old cricketer showcased his abilities with a remarkable spell in the second innings. His relentless aggression could potentially bolster England’s chances, making his inclusion in the squad a welcome change to England’s bowling arsenal. Get the latest updates from the world of cricket only on Nextbet Sport. 

The England XI for the Lord’s Test will feature Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes as the captain, Jonny Bairstow as the wicket-keeper, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and James Anderson.