England’s Matthew Potts is in line to play the Sydney Ashes test after Gus Atkinson’s hamstring injury, as Josh Tongue’s impact raises selection questions.
MELBOURNE: England fast bowler Matthew Potts (pic) is expected to play the final Ashes test in Sydney following an injury to Gus Atkinson.
Atkinson strained his left hamstring during England’s victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and has been ruled out of the match starting on January 4.
He is the third England seamer to depart the tour early, following Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, but will not be replaced in the squad.
Potts, who last played a test a year ago in New Zealand, is the last unused seamer from the original 16-man squad.
His potential selection comes as Josh Tongue’s performances have sparked debate over England’s earlier selections.
Tongue was named Man of the Match in Melbourne after taking seven wickets, raising questions about why he was not picked until the third test.
“Tongue gets above the perpendicular, shapes the ball back into you with that angle,” said Australia’s Steve Smith, who has been dismissed by Tongue in every first-class match they have played.
Smith compared Tongue’s angle and release point to that of Australian bowler Scott Boland.
English media have also praised Tongue’s impact, prompting speculation over who will open the bowling in Sydney with Atkinson injured.
