England Cricket team is all set to play one Test Match against Ireland from June 1 at the historical Lord’s Cricket Ground. For the same, the team has announced the playing XI in which they have left out the star all-rounder Chris Woakes.
The fast bowler from Worcestershire Josh Tongue is set to make his debut in the upcoming match. He was called up to the squad as a replacement for the experienced James Anderson and Ollie Robinson who will both be absent due to groin and ankle injuries respectively.
The 25-year-old Josh Tongue showcased his excellent performance during the second unofficial Test for England Lions against Sri Lanka A in February. He put up impressive performances and grabbed five wickets for 34 and 3 for 77. These performances caught the attention of selectors, and he has been given the opportunity to make his debut at the renowned Lord’s cricket ground. This marks a significant turnaround for Tongue as he was contemplating retirement just a year ago due to a shoulder injury that kept him away from the game for 15 months.
In a statement released by the team Tongue said,”It’s an amazing feeling. [I’m] speechless, really. Even from when I got the first call-up to be in the squad… now being in the actual team, it’s just a dream come true really. Baz [Coach Brendon McCullum] came up to me just before training finished today. I had just finished a gym session, actually, and he came up to me and gave me the good news.”
England head coach Brendon McCullum also praised the young bowler and claimed him as the ‘Rough Diamond’ who will be polished to become the new pace sensation for England along with Jofra Archer, Olly Stone, Jamie Overton and Brydon Carse.
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McCullum said,”He’s a big strong lad, that’s for sure. He looks like he bowls quite fast and has some real skills. He is obviously a bit of a rough diamond. He’s had some injuries throughout his career and it is nice for a guy like him to be able to have an extended period of time where he has been injury-free this summer to push his case.”
“We think he has got something really exciting and hence we brought him into the squad. Whether he plays in this Test or throughout the summer, I am not sure, but again he is another one who looks like he has an immense amount of talent.”
England playing XI vs Ireland:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Jack Leach
