Ashes 2023: Josh Tongue replaces Moeen Ali as England opt for all-pace attack for Lord's Test

After having lost the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston last week, England have decided to go in the second Test, which starts Wednesday, with an all-pace attack. Spinner Moeen Ali, who was also seen having some trouble with his finger in the last match, has been shown the way out for debutant Josh Tongue.

The first choice for England was their faster bowler Mark Wood, however. But Wood has been out of the team since December due to an elbow injury.

“We felt that he could definitely start the game,” England captain Ben Stokes said on Tuesday, “but with conversations we felt the extra week with buildup and getting his loads up would give him a better chance and an opportunity to play a full part from (the third test at) Leeds onwards.”

Worcestershire fast bowler Tongue made his Test debut this month against Ireland on a slow pitch at Lord’s and he took 5-66 in the second innings of a 10-wicket win.

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