Ben Stokes reveals who England 'wanted' to play instead of Josh Tongue in second Ashes Test

28.06.2023 - 07:33 manchestereveningnews.co.uk

In a surprising move, England have opted to include rookie seamer Josh Tongue in his maiden Ashes Test against Australia, raising doubts about the readiness of spinner Moeen Ali and paceman Mark Wood.

Tongue, who made an impressive debut against Ireland earlier this month, claiming five wickets, will replace Moeen in a four-man seam attack at Lord's, marking a pivotal moment in the 25-year-old's career.

Although Moeen showed signs of recovery after a burst blister hindered his ability to bowl effectively during the series opener at Edgbaston, concerns of a recurrence persisted.

England captain Ben Stokes expressed his desire to unleash Wood, renowned as one of the fastest bowlers in the world, to invigorate the attack.

cricket bowling Test James Anderson Ollie Robinson Stuart Broad Mark Wood Australia Ireland county Stokes

Read more on the manchestereveningnews.co.uk

England reinforced their bowling attack by recalling veteran fast bowler James Anderson in place of Ollie Robinson for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia that begins on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

England's Anderson replaces Robinson for fourth Ashes test

:England have made one change to their team for the fourth Ashes test against Australia, with fast bowler James Anderson replacing Ollie Robinson in the side that won at Headingley, the country's cricket board (ECB) said on Monday.

Ben Foakes misses out as England unchanged squad for fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford

England have named an unchanged 14-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. Jonny Bairstow keeps his place as Surrey wicketkeeper Ben Foakes misses out, while Ollie Pope remains injured with a shoulder injury suffered in the second test at Lord’s.

ENG vs AUS, 3rd Ashes Test, Day 2: Ben Stokes And Moeen Ali Revive England's Ashes Bid

England captain Ben Stokes's dynamic 80, his latest dashing innings kept the hosts' Ashes hopes alive before Moeen Ali struck twice in quick succession in the third Test against Australia at Headingley on Friday. Australia were 116-4 in their second innings at stumps on the second day, a lead of 142 runs, as they looked to go 3-0 up in the five-match series and secure a first Ashes campaign triumph in England since 2001. Mitchell Marsh, who had already marked his first Test in nearly four years with a brilliant run-a-ball 118 in Australia's first-innings 263, was 17 not out, with Travis Head unbeaten on 18.

Mark Wood takes five to blast Australia out, England three down at stumps in Headingley Ashes Test

A high-octane day of Test cricket saw England blow Australia away for 263, only for the tourists to reduce the home side to 68 for 3 at stumps on day one at Headingley. After winning the toss, England captain Ben Stokes had no hesitation in asking Australia to bat first.