ENGLAND have axed Moeen Ali and handed an Ashes debut to bowler Josh Tongue.

The 25-year-old will be the only change to the side that lost the opening test at Edgbaston.

Ali has been a doubt for the meeting with Australia at Lord’s tomorrow due to a cut finger.

However, he was seen bowling in the nets yesterday and was thought to be fit.

Tongue made his test debut against Ireland last month and he took 5-66 in the second innings.

The Worcestershire star has been chosen ahead of Mark Wood, who needs another week to be fully fit.

Joe Root will now be in charge of the spin balls for the second clash with the Aussies.

Ali retired from test cricket days before the Ashes squad was set to be announced.

But captain Ben Stokes pleaded for him to return due to spinner Jack Leach being ruled out with a back issue.

Ali obliged after prime minister Rishi Sunak admitted he was concerned over who would replace Leach.

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There was controversy in the opening test when the 36-year-old Warwickshire ace was caught illegally drying his hand with spray.

He was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point after admitting to breaking the rules.