Josh Tongue has been named in England’s XI for the second Test against India at Lord’s, starting on August 12, after Moeen Ali was left out due to a finger injury sustained during the first Test match at Edgbaston. Although it was an unexpected selection, Tongue had a remarkable performance against Ireland earlier this month in the same stadium, taking 5 wickets for 66 runs in the second innings.
The seamer’s inclusion is the only change made to England’s team, which lost the first Test match against India by two wickets. James Anderson, who was below his best in his comeback match following a groin injury, was retained, with England opting for their standout seamers Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad to complete the pace attack.
Fast bowler Mark Wood was overlooked for the second Test match, with Tongue’s ability to give longer spells a factor behind his selection in the absence of a specialist spinner. In the first match, Joe Root had shouldered the spin-bowling duties, delivering thirteen overs up to the new ball on the final day. The role is expected to remain with Root in the second match as well.
Overall, England’s playing XI for the second Test match against India is as follows: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jonathan Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and James Anderson.
Fans will be eagerly waiting to see how Tongue performs in the upcoming match, but the absence of Moeen Ali will surely be felt by the team. England has not yet provided any update on Moeen Ali’s expected return or the seriousness of his injury. Despite the setback, the English team will be determined to level the series against India in the much-awaited Lord’s Test match.
