Josh Tongue still marvels at his “crazy summer” last 12 months however the swiftness of his rise and injury setbacks along the best way have taught the England fast bowler to not look too far ahead.
Tongue followed up a five-wicket haul on Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s last June by returning to the venue weeks later and snaring David Warner and Steve Smith in each innings in his lone Ashes match.
A few separate pectoral issues – unconnected to a shoulder nerve problem that sidelined him between June 2021 and August 2022 – have interrupted his progress, denying him an ODI debut within the Caribbean on the back end of last 12 months and possible involvement in England’s recent Test tour of India.
After going under the knife in December, Tongue is back bowling in practice again ahead of schedule and awaiting the green light to return to competitive motion for the primary time since last August.
Having switched counties over the winter from Worcestershire to Nottinghamshire, the 26-year-old’s focus is on impressing at Trent Bridge slightly than looking forward to the English Test summer.
“I don’t really look into the longer term in any respect,” he told the PA news agency. “Last summer, I didn’t think I might have ever played for England after which hastily, I had the phone call and I used to be chosen.
“It was a crazy summer and all of it happened so quickly. It took me some time to let all of it sink in. Getting out the world’s top-class batters is a tremendous feeling.
“Whatever I do as a bowler is to attempt to do one of the best for the team. After I do get back playing, I just wish to deal with doing in addition to I can for Notts and if England do come knocking then glad days.”
Having handed Tongue a two-year central contract, England are prone to be keeping an in depth eye on him, with the primary Test of the summer not starting until July 10 against the West Indies at Lord’s.
There may be not less than one seamer emptiness following Stuart Broad’s retirement last 12 months and with Rob Key, England’s director of men’s cricket, suggesting recently they’re looking out for bowlers who can consistently operate within the mid-to-high 80mph range, Tongue matches the bill.
“There’s a great deal of fast bowlers within the country so there’s a great group of us now who’re going to push for a spot,” Tongue said.
“Every team likes having fast bowlers, they’ve got a degree of difference, especially when there’s not much going on the market and you wish someone that bowls 85-90mph to vary the sport.”
While Broad has also left a sizeable hole at Nottinghamshire, Tongue rejected out of hand the suggestion he could possibly be the long-term alternative.
“Under no circumstances,” he said. “I’m a distinct bowler. I am going about things in a different way to what Broady would have done.
“He was an unbelievable bowler and any individual I grew up watching. To share the changing room for England last 12 months was amazing. I haven’t thought of filling his shoes in any respect, I just wish to do one of the best I can for Notts.”
Tongue was not alone in leaving Worcestershire for Nottinghamshire within the close-season, with Dillon Pennington and Jack Haynes also moving to the east midlands.
“I just wish to win games for Notts, that’s why I got here here,” Tongue added. “I would like to win trophies. It’s every cricketer’s aim.”
Nottinghamshire, who were beaten by Essex of their Vitality County Championship opener, are on account of welcome Worcestershire this week although Tongue is unlikely to be available against his former club.
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