ENG v NZ 2026: Steven Finn names England's 'X-factor' ahead of Test series against New Zealand

Former fast bowler Steven Finn has named Josh Tongue as England's 'X-factor' ahead of their three-match Test series against New Zealand starting from Thursday, June 4. 

The Three Lions have gone with a relatively new-look bowling attack in the absence of Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, with Matt Fisher, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Sonny Baker and Josh Tongue forming their fast bowling department. 

Amongst the quintet, Finn has named Tongue as England's X-factor and a guaranteed starter for the first Test match at Lord's. 

"England's X-factor is the one man who made himself an automatic choice during the Ashes. Josh Tongue elevated himself to a nailed-on starter with his hostility and ability to trouble the best players in the opposition. He has a strike-rate of 39.8 in Test cricket and 43.9 in first-class cricket, which makes him ideal for this role," Steven Finn wrote in his BBC column. 

Finn believes that Tongue's unique bowling action makes it difficult for batters to read him and play accordingly. The former Middlesex bowler was also left baffled by England's decision to leave out the 28-year-old during the first Ashes Test match. 

Tongue played three Tests during the Ashes, where he was arguably his side's best bowler. The right-arm seamer went on to take 18 wickets at an average of 20.11 with one five-wicket haul to his name.

"His awkward angle, coming from beyond the perpendicular, with the ability to move the ball away from right-handers makes him very challenging for a batter to line up. Looking back, it seems inconceivable he didn't play in the first Ashes Test in Perth, when England went with five fast bowlers. Now he has the chance to prove he should never again be left out of the biggest matches," he added.

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Tongue has made a great start to the summer, representing Nottinghamshire in the County Championship. In the four First-Class matches he has played this season, the fast bowler has taken 13 wickets at an average of 31.38. This includes a five-wicket haul against Warwickshire. 

England's squad for Test series vs New Zealand:

Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue