England add Josh Tongue to Ireland squad after speed bowling injuries
England have added Worcestershire dressmaker Josh Tongue to their squad for next month’s Test against Ireland following a series of speed bowling injuries.
Ollie Robinson and James Anderson have both been named in the initial 15-man squad for this game but neither are expected to play, ensuring the front-row pair are ready for the Ashes’ first Test against Australia June 16 after minor ankle and groin injuries. .
That leaves Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood as England seam options for the four-day game at Lord’s, but Tongue has now been added to that list after receiving a first international call-up.
The 25-year-old has been on England’s radar for some time and was chosen for the Lions’ tour of Sri Lanka this winter despite only returning from a 15-month layoff to injury in August last year, a period during which he considered a withdrawal from the game.
Tongue won eight wickets, including a first leg five, in Galle’s unofficial draw and earlier this month ended Steve Smith’s first County Championship innings this summer for Sussex, trapping Australian lbw hitter for 30.
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