Ashes 2019: Jofra Archer In Line For Test Debut As England Drop Moeen Ali

Moeen has been dropped as he returned with 1-42 and 2-130 with the ball, while scoring just four runs in the match — including a first-innings duck

England’s pace sensation Jofra Archer is in line to make his eagerly-awaited Test debut after being included in England's 12-man squad for next week's second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord's. He would replace James Anderson after England's all-time leading wicket-taker was ruled out with a calf injury that restricted him to sending down just four overs in a 251-run first-Test defeat by Ashes holders Australia at Edgbaston. Archer missed that match because of a side problem but has since proved his fitness in a second-team fixture for county side Sussex against Gloucestershire, taking 6-27 and hitting a quick-fire century. Meanwhile, off-spinner Moeen has been dropped, with left-armer Jack Leach recalled into the squad ahead of Wednesday's start at Lord's. The 32-year-old all-rounder only managed returns of 1-42 and 2-130 with the ball, while scoring just four runs in the match -- including a first-innings duck. His second-innings bowling display was particularly concerning, with Moeen offering neither control or persistent wicket-taking on a wearing pitch favouring spinners and even bowling a couple of head-high beamers. England also have another seam-bowling option in Surrey left-armer Sam Curran. Fast bowler Olly Stone, who was in the squad for the first Test but did not play, has been ruled out with a back injury. England have only twice come from 1-0 down to win an Ashes -- in 1981 when inspired by Ian Botham and in 2005, when they eventually won 2-1 in what is widely regarded as one of the most exciting series in Test history. England squad: Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Sam Curran