Veteran All-rounder 'Dropped' as Bazball Field a Weakened Unit For Lord's Test
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Moeen Ali has been replaced by Josh Tongue [Source: AP]
In a significant development, England have announced their playing XI for the upcoming second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord's. The hosts, who lost the first Test in Edgbaston by a narrow two-wicket margin, have made just one change, replacing experienced all-rounder Moeen Ali with promising pacer Josh Tongue.
As expected, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the innings, followed by Ollie Pope and Joe Root at number three and four, respectively. The dynamic duo of Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow will bat at number five and six, with the latter performing keeping duties. Skipper Ben Stokes, set to bat at number seven, will be followed by four seamers- Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue and James Anderson.
Notably, Moeen Ali sustained an injury to his spinning finger at Edgbaston, which put serious question marks on his participation in the Lord's Test. Furthermore, some emerging pictures have hinted at a spicy deck being prepared for this Test, which is why the hosts might have decided to include Tongue in their eleven, benching Ali.
England playing XI for Lord's Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Ben Stokes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue, James Anderson
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