Worcestershire's Josh Tongue to make Test debut at Lord's

The Academy product is relishing the chance of working alongside some of the country’s top bowlers, including record wicket-taker James Anderson.

Tongue made his first Worcestershire appearance 19 years ago, as a six-year-old in an under 10s game.

Amazingly, Anderson had already represented England and continues to lead the attack two decades later, with 685 wickets to his name.

Ahead of the one-off Test against Ireland, Tongue has also been picking the brains of the nation’s other stars, including Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood.

He said: “I bowled in the nets at the England players during a training camp in Brisbane when with the Lions a few years ago, which was very good.

“Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali were there, and I bowled at top England batters like Alastair Cook and Joe Root. That was a good experience.

“This time, it will be more great learning, and that is the main thing I’m going to take from this nine-day period.

“Just being with those sort of players, knowing how they go about their business, and picking their brains.

“Having the likes of Broad and Anderson in the same squad is going to be so good, and I’m just looking forward to being in the changing room with them.

“Someone told me Anderson was already playing for England when I first played for Worcestershire as a six-year-old. It’s crazy that isn’t it?

“But it shows how long his career has been and how successful and dedicated he has been. It is amazing.

“He is still doing the business now and is a shining example.”

Josh Tongue during a nets session at Lord's Cricket Ground (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)

It will be Tongue’s first experience of playing at Lord’s, a moment he has dreamt of for years.

“I’d watch England at Edgbaston and Lord’s, with my dad mainly, and look at hopefully being there myself one day. It has just always been a dream, at whatever age,” Tongue added.

“I’ve never played at Lord’s, one of the few grounds I’ve not played at. We were supposed to play Middlesex there just before COVID and that got called off.

“It is going to be my first time in the dressing room, which is going to be exciting in front of a big crowd, the first Test of the summer.

“It will be great looking over that balcony. I’ve heard people say it is an amazing view.”

A debutant among our team for the first Test of the summer! 🦁#ENGvIRE

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 30, 2023

Tongue spent a lengthy period on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, but now believes he is nearing full fitness.

He said: “I’m getting there slowly, and now being involved with the England squad is going to help me even more when I get back to playing for Worcestershire.

“This experience is going to benefit me for the Worcestershire season as well, which I’m looking forward to.”Worcestershire bowler to make Test debut at Lords