{Australia vs England Boxing Day Test: Day 2 Scores, Results & Details}
“`html
Josh Tongue eyes Rare Hat-Trick Chance Against Australia
Table of Contents
England bowler Josh Tongue is poised for a potentially historic moment in the ongoing Ashes series. If selected to bowl the second over of the morning session on June 27th, 2024, he could have the unique opportunity to dismiss Australian bowler Mitchell Starc twice within three deliveries – completing a hat-trick that includes dismissing Starc and Scott Boland.
Josh Tongue took five wickets in the opening innings.Credit: Justin McManus
The scenario hinges on the batting order. If Tongue bowls the first over, Travis Head will be on strike.Though, the second over presents the chance to target Boland, having already dismissed him in the previous innings.This possibility is amplified by the challenging pitch conditions.
Yesterday’s play was characterized by significant sideways movement off the seam, described as more pronounced than “a beach full of crabs.” Experts predict a similarly tricky pitch today, favoring seam bowlers like Tongue. This makes dismissing Boland, a lower-order batsman, a realistic target.
The Meaning of the Pitch
The grassy surface at Edgbaston has been a key factor in the series so far. The extra seam movement benefits england’s pace attack, creating opportunities for wickets. According to reports from ESPNcricinfo,the pitch is expected to remain challenging throughout the match,potentially favoring England’s bowling lineup.
starc, as a left-arm fast bowler, also benefits from seaming conditions, making his potential dismissal a significant achievement for Tongue.
Tongue’s Recent Performance
Josh Tongue has been in excellent form, recently taking five wickets in the first innings.This performance has solidified his position in the England squad and increased expectations for his contribution in the remainder of the Ashes series. His ability to generate pace and movement makes him a risky opponent for Australian batsmen.
| player | Matches Played (Ashes 2023-24) | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh tongue | 3 | 12 | 28.50 |
| Mitchell Starc | 3 | 10 | 32.10 |
| Scott Boland | 2 | 3 | 45.67 |
Data as of June 26, 2024, sourced from ESPNcricinfo Ashes 2023-24 Stats.
