Starc is widely expected to replace Scott Boland in the team which snatched a heart-stopping two-wicket win at Edgbaston last week,but claims he’s been told nothing by the team hierarchy. Captain Pat Cummins named Starc in a 12 on Tuesday with the final 11 expected to be named at the toss.
“I haven’t gotten any indication either way,so your guess is as good as mine until the selectors decide,” Starc said on Monday when asked about his chances of playing.
With a green pitch at Lord’s and spinners traditionally having little impact at the ground,Tongue offers a pace alternative which would have been provided by Mark Wood if the express bowler believed he was fit enough to return after recovering from injury.
However,England captain Ben Stokes claims that after a conversation with Wood,a Durham teammate,it was felt he needed extra time to build up his workload and would be considered for the third Test at Headingley.
“He was very honest with me in saying that he wasn’t sure he be able to give what he’s known for (extreme pace) throughout this Test match,” Stokes said.