Josh Tongue has Steven Smith again in his sights after notable county conflict
Josh Tongue has solely taken 11 wickets for Worcestershire within the County Championship’s second division this season however one among them earned him extra consideration than the opposite 10 put collectively.
In his first innings of a controversial three-match stint with Sussex, Steven Smith had made 30 when Tongue’s nip-backer struck him simply above the highest of his pad at New Road. Smith didn’t appear thrilled with the lbw resolution as he dragged himself off, however Tongue clenched each fists, turning into the primary England bowler to dismiss him this summer season.
At Lord’s this week, he has the prospect to repeat the trick. “It would be great to get Steve Smith out again,” Tongue mentioned on Tuesday, after being named in England’s crew for the second Ashes Test. “I was pretty happy the first time so, if I can do it on a second occasion, that would be good for the team as well and hopefully that will happen.”
Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, hadn’t realised that Tongue had been one of many bowlers to dismiss Smith throughout his time with Sussex. “I didn’t know he was bowling,” Cummins mentioned. “[But] I certainly heard there were a couple of LBWs Smithy didn’t totally agree with.”
“I knew the step up from county cricket to international cricket would be a big one, and playing here at Lord’s was a very special moment for myself, having never played here before,” Tongue mentioned. “To then get five wickets against Ireland on my debut was an incredible feeling and should give me confidence ahead of another chance against Australia.
“There was a little bit of tempo within the wicket towards Ireland so extra of that will be good,” he added. “There is a inexperienced tinge to the pitch in the intervening time which might profit all of our seamers. And if there’s a little bit of nip and motion within the air then I believe our bowling unit can profit from that and use the situations in our favour.”
Ben Stokes, England’s captain, mentioned he was “significantly impressed” with Tongue’s ability to play “totally different roles with the ball” on debut – specifically, his willingness to deliver short-ball barrages. “His first spell was simply operating up and bowling, attempting to bowl wicket-taking deliveries,” Stokes said.
“But then we used him differently, the place we attacked the Ireland batters with our short-ball plan. Broady, Jimmy and Robbo will inform you it is all the time good having somebody who can bowl at 90mph doing it. Just having that versatility as a bowler this week goes to be very helpful.”
And Tongue believes he is up to the task. “Coming into the facet now for the subsequent Test, I really feel like I can add a bit extra tempo and bounce to the assault – and hopefully I can get just a few wickets for the crew as effectively,” he said. “Whatever Stokesy asks me to do for the crew, I’m right here to do it as finest I can.”