The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the playing XI for the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland, set to commence on June 1 at Lord’s.
With the crucial Ashes series on the line, the hosts have faced injury concerns, resulting in the absence of key bowlers for this particular Test match.
In order to prioritise their fitness and ensure their availability for the Ashes, James Anderson and Ollie Robinson have been ruled out of the clash against Ireland. This strategic move aims to provide them with ample time to recover and be in peak condition for the highly anticipated Ashes series.
Making his Test debut, Worcestershire seamer Josh Tongue has earned a spot in the playing XI. Stuart Broad, an experienced campaigner, will lead a revamped bowling attack, supported by the inclusion of Jack Leach as the only spinner in the lineup. Matthew Potts will complete the pace trio alongside Broad and Tongue.
Led by Ben Stokes, the English squad is gearing up to kickstart the English summer by taking on Ireland in this match, which also serves as valuable practice ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
The highly anticipated Ashes is scheduled to commence on June 16, adding an extra layer of significance to this preparation game against Ireland.
Emerging Talent Tongue Set for Test Debut
Josh Tongue, set to make his Test debut for England against Ireland, brings with him an impressive record in the County Championship this season.
Having already claimed 11 wickets in just four matches, Tongue has displayed his prowess by dismissing formidable batsmen like Australia’s Steve Smith, who fell lbw to the Worcestershire seamer during a clash against Sussex.
With an overall first-class record of 162 wickets in 47 games, Tongue has consistently proven his mettle on the cricket field. His remarkable average of 26.04 highlights his ability to consistently trouble opposition batsmen and contribute to his team’s success.
He said: “It’s an amazing feeling. Speechless really, even from when I got the first call-up to be in the squad. Now being in the actual team, it’s just a dream come true really.
“Baz came up to me just before training finished today and gave me the good news. I bowled at some of the lads on Monday, I felt like I bowled nicely and obviously, I must have bowled fairly well to get selected.”
England likely to have an opening combination of Crawley and Duckett
In a display of confidence, England has placed their trust in the opening combination of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. The dynamic left-hand-right-hand pairing has proven successful in recent months, particularly during tours to Pakistan and New Zealand.
The middle order features the newly appointed vice-captain Ollie Pope, alongside stalwarts Joe Root and Ben Stokes. With Jonny Bairstow recuperating from injury, the lower-middle order sees the inclusion of Harry Brook, who will bat alongside Bairstow. This formidable lineup showcases the team’s batting depth and promises a strong performance.
Notably, Bairstow will also assume the wicketkeeping duties for the team in the absence of Ben Foakes.
England playing XI for the one-off Test against Ireland
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue (Debut), Jack Leach.
