ENG vs IRE: Josh Tongue added to England test squad as injury cover for Ireland match

England’s Test squad to face Ireland has received a new addition in the form of Josh Tongue. The uncapped seamer from Worcestershire has been called up due to injury concerns surrounding James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, leaving England with a limited number of fast bowling options for the upcoming Test match at Lord’s starting on […]

England’s Test squad to face Ireland has received a new addition in the form of Josh Tongue. The uncapped seamer from Worcestershire has been called up due to injury concerns surrounding James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, leaving England with a limited number of fast bowling options for the upcoming Test match at Lord’s starting on June 1.

Josh Tongue, 25, has been on England’s radar as a promising talent and recently showcased his skills during the England Lions’ tour of Sri Lanka in February. In his Lions debut, Tongue impressed in the second unofficial Test, taking 5 wickets for 34 runs and 3 wickets for 77 runs against Sri Lanka A.

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Although Tongue’s exposure to red ball cricket has been limited in recent times, he has made a strong start to the 2023 season in Division Two of the Championship, claiming 11 wickets. Notably, he dismissed Australian batsman Steve Smith, trapping him lbw for 30, making him the first English bowler to do so this summer.

This call-up signifies a remarkable turnaround for Tongue, who contemplated retirement last year after a lengthy 15-month absence due to a shoulder injury. Having been part of the Worcestershire setup since the age of six, Tongue possesses good pace and bounce with his tall action. He will join the Test squad for their upcoming camp this weekend, providing a point of difference.

With Robinson, Anderson, and Mark Wood set to sit out the Ireland Test to preserve their fitness for the upcoming Ashes series, Tongue could be an outsider for a potential Test debut next week. Alongside Tongue, the squad includes seamers Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, and Matthew Potts.

Speaking to Worcestershire CCC’s website on his call-up, Josh Tongue said: “The invaluable experience I gained during the winter as part of the Lions team has given me the hunger to represent my country in more international cricket matches and obviously the next step is Test cricket.”
“While my focus has primarily been on playing for Worcestershire, who I love playing for, the news of my selection for the Test squad is fantastic news.”