Josh Tongue nonetheless marvels at his “loopy summer time” final 12 months however the swiftness of his rise and damage setbacks alongside the way in which have taught the England quick bowler to not look too far forward.
Tongue adopted up a five-wicket haul on Check debut in opposition to Eire at Lord’s final 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 points – unconnected to a shoulder nerve downside that sidelined him between June 2021 and August 2022 – have interrupted his progress, denying him an ODI debut within the Caribbean on the again finish of final 12 months and attainable involvement in England’s latest Check tour of India.
After going underneath the knife in December, Tongue is again bowling in observe once more forward of schedule and awaiting the inexperienced gentle to return to aggressive motion for the primary time since final 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 Check summer time.
“I don’t actually look into the long run in any respect,” he advised the PA information company. “Final summer time, I didn’t suppose I’d have ever performed for England after which rapidly, I had the telephone name and I used to be chosen.
“It was a loopy summer time and all of it occurred so shortly. It took me some time to let all of it sink in. Getting out the world’s top-class batters is a tremendous feeling.
“No matter I do as a bowler is to try to do the very best for the crew. Once I do get again enjoying, I simply need 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 more likely to be holding an in depth eye on him, with the primary Check of the summer time not beginning till July 10 in opposition to the West Indies at Lord’s.
There’s not less than one seamer emptiness following Stuart Broad’s retirement final 12 months and with Rob Key, England’s director of males’s cricket, suggesting just lately they’re looking out for bowlers who can persistently function within the mid-to-high 80mph vary, Tongue matches the invoice.
“There’s a great deal of quick bowlers within the nation so there’s group of us now who’re going to push for a spot,” Tongue stated.
“Each crew likes having quick bowlers, they’ve bought a degree of distinction, particularly when there’s not a lot going on the market and also you want somebody that bowls 85-90mph to alter the sport.”
Whereas Broad has additionally left a sizeable gap at Nottinghamshire, Tongue rejected out of hand the suggestion he could possibly be the long-term alternative.
“In no way,” he stated. “I’m a distinct bowler. I’m going about issues otherwise to what Broady would have completed.
“He was an unbelievable bowler and anyone I grew up watching. To share the altering room for England final 12 months was wonderful. I haven’t thought of filling his footwear in any respect, I simply need to do the very best I can for Notts.”
Tongue was not alone in leaving Worcestershire for Nottinghamshire within the close-season, with Dillon Pennington and Jack Haynes additionally transferring to the east midlands.
“I simply need to win video games for Notts, that’s why I got here right here,” Tongue added. “I need to win trophies. It’s each cricketer’s purpose.”
Nottinghamshire, who have been overwhelmed by Essex of their Vitality County Championship opener, are as a result of welcome Worcestershire this week though Tongue is unlikely to be accessible in opposition to his former membership.
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