In the second Test of the Ashes 2023 series, England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bowl first against Australia. Stokes expressed confidence in his team’s bowling strength and cited the favorable cloud cover as a factor in their decision. With the inclusion of Josh Tongue, one of the four seamers in the lineup, Stokes believes they have a strong bowling attack. He also praised Joe Root’s bowling performance in the opening Test.
Australia captain Pat Cummins, on the other hand, mentioned that they also had plans to bowl first. Despite Scott Boland’s exceptional performance, he was left out for this match, and Mitchell Starc was included in the playing XI. Cummins acknowledged England’s decision and expressed his confidence in their team’s abilities.
Here are the playing XI of both teams:
England Playing XI
1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (Captain)
7. Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper)
8. Stuart Broad
9. Ollie Robinson
10. Josh Tongue
11. James Anderson
Also Read: Ashes 2023: Jason Gillespie Believes Steve Smith Can Lead Australia, Suggests Pat Cummins Might Rest
Australia Playing XI
1. David Warner
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steven Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Cameron Green
7. Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)
8. Mitchell Starc
9. Pat Cummins (Captain)
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood
