Ashes 2023: Australia recall Mitchell Starc for Lord's Test, Scott Boland misses out

Pat Cummins-led Australia have recalled star left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc to the starting eleven for the second Test in a bid to further strengthen their chances of retaining the Ashes. The senior pacer, who was left out of the playing eleven for the Edgbaston Test, replaced Scott Boland for the second match of the series at Lord's.

Although the visitors drew first blood in the series after a thrilling victory in Birmingham, they decided to rope in Mitchell Starc for the second Test. The senior pacer made his way back into the eleven after being controversially left out of the series opener at Edgbaston.

While Scott Boland might feel a little hard done by the decision, the 34-year-old managed just two wickets in the series opener. The seemingly green surface at the iconic Lord's must've influenced the Aussies as they went with their famed fast bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for the second Test.

Mitchell Starc returns to the playing XI for Australia, replacing Scott Boland in the second Ashes Test.#Australia #TheAshes pic.twitter.com/kDBKhcwLqd

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) June 28, 2023

England opt for an all-out pace attack for the second Test

Talking about changes, the home side also made a noticeable change, as announced previously, replacing the injured Moeen Ali with young Worcestershire pacer Josh Tongue. The 25-year-old pacer made his Test debut earlier this month during England's one-off encounter against Ireland at the very same venue.

Tongue, who will have fond memories of playing at this venue as he scalped a memorable five-for on his Test debut, will be hoping to make his mark in his second outing for the Three Lions. It is an interesting change from the hosts as they have opted against playing a frontline spinner, leaving the spin bowling responsibility with former England skipper Joe Root.