Ashes 2019: England Announce 12-Man Squad For Second Test, Moeen Ali Dropped

The hosts England have announced their 12-man squad for the second Ashes Test match against Australia which is set to be played at Lord’s. England has dropped their all-rounder Moeen Ali from the squad whereas James Anderson was earlier ruled out with a calf injury.

Moeen Ali has let the team down with his batting performances as he has registered four ducks in the last eight innings. Ali could only score four runs in the previous match and scalped three wickets. Furthermore, Olly Stone could not find a place in the 12-man squad. Stone misses out with a lower back injury.

Ali has disappointed with the bat.

On the other hand, Jack Leach has found a place in the squad. Leach had impressed with his performances in a one-off four day Test match against Ireland. The southpaw batsman who had got a chance to open the innings as a night watchman had scored a brilliant knock of 92 runs. Subsequently, he was awarded the Man of the Match award.

Subsequently, Jack Leach can be England’s lone spinner in the second Test match as there are fewer chances that the hosts would pick their final XI without any spinner as the Lord’s pitch is on the drier side.

Jofra Archer is expected to make his Test debut as James Anderson has been ruled out. Archer took a six-wicket haul for Sussex against Gloucestershire as he bowled with no mercy. Furthermore, the lanky batsman scored a 99-ball 108 for his County team.

The second Test match begins 14 August at the Mecca of Cricket and the hosts would like to make a solid comeback into the series. England had lost the first Edgbaston Test match by a gargantuan margin of 251 runs.