ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023: Why is Josh Tongue Not Playing England vs Australia 5th Test? Check ENG Playing XI

The important news update coming from the England camp is that they are not playing young fast bowler Josh Tongue in the fifth and final Test match of the Ashes 2023 being played at the Kennington Oval in London from 27 July, 2023. The exciting fourth Test match between England and Australia ended in a draw due to heavy rains and there was no play possible on Day 5 which allowed the visitors to once again retain the prestigious Ashes ‘Urn’. England will surely be eyeing to level the five-match Test series by winning this Test.

Why is Josh Tongue Not Playing England vs Australia 5th Test?

England have announced playing 11 for ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 5th Test match and this means that young speedster Josh Tongue will once again warm the bench. While playing just his second Test match, Tongue ended up taking a total of 5 wickets against Australia in the Lord’s Test. He also took a brilliant five-wicket haul in his debut Test match against Ireland. Despite poor performances in the three Ashes 2023 Test matches so far, England are still backing veteran pace bowler James Anderson for the fifth and final Test against Australia. Anderson has picked up as many as 4 wickets from 3 Test matches at a disappointing average of over 76.

It has been quite evident that the trio of Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood have looked as the wicket-taking fast bowlers in the last two Test matches against Australia. However, Anderson has massive experience and with close to 700 wickets under his belt, the team management is going ahead with him for this final Test match.

ENG Playing XI

1. Ben Duckett
2. Zak Crawley
3. Moeen Ali
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (C)
7. Jonny Bairstow (wk)
8. Chris Woakes
9. Stuart Broad
10. Mark Wood
11. James Anderson

England squad for Fifth Test of Ashes 2023

Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Moeen Ali.