The second Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 is all set to begin on 28 June at the Lord’s. After losing the series opener, England will look to win this match to make a comeback. But, on the eve of the game, they announced the final playing XI and Josh Tounge replaced Moeen Ali. Seeing that fans shared their views.
Moeen Ali came out of Test retirement and played the first game. However, he scored 37 runs and took three wickets in that game. But, Ali also sustained an injury in his bowling hand. Now, Tounge will replace him as he made his Test debut against Ireland at the same venue in June 2023. In that game, he grabbed five wickets and that was a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
“I'm really proud of the boys.” - Brendon McCullum ahead of second Ashes Test
As Moeen Ali is not playing this match, only Joe Root will play as a spinner. Tongue will be accompanied by James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, and Ben Stokes. Speaking of this match, England's Test team head coach, Brendon McCullum vowed to be more aggressive than the Edgbaston Test. He said: "I think we played our style, which is to try and take the game forward. I thought Australia were happy playing their style as well, which ultimately led to success for them and I'm sure they'll continue with those tactics right throughout the series. I think it's set up to be quite a fascinating contest.”
“I'm sure they'll stick solid to that strategy all the way through, which I think's great because we'll go a little harder and they'll probably stick to their strategy. I'm really proud of the boys. A couple of things didn't quite go our way at times, but that's the nature of the game. We firmly believe, the skipper and I, that this gives us our greatest chance,” McCullum concluded.
England’s Playing XI for 2nd Ashes Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and James Anderson.
Here is how fans have reacted:
Chris Woakes?
— Praneeth (@fantasy_d11) June 27, 2023
Tongue will bowl to Head 💀
— Cricket Lover (@ImPrabhavB) June 27, 2023
Bus ek match ke liye retirement wapis li waah 😩
— Sakshi dhwan (@Mahesh9999755) June 27, 2023
Stokes texted Moeen “LOL” this time 😂
— राजा बाबू 👑 (@driveovercovers) June 27, 2023
They had better options but they picked tongue lol
— Rohit (@rohit_0718) June 27, 2023
So the pitch will be green mamba .
— E=MC^2 (@Hyperphysics23) June 27, 2023
Time for Moeen to take retirement again.
— Finan (@imvivekanand_) June 27, 2023
Man why are they not playing mark wood ?
— Muktikanta Panda (@MuktiKa03928814) June 27, 2023
Spin kon kar gya fir
— jamirkhan (@jamirkh35) June 27, 2023