Did not really expect to be in England’s Ashes squad, it is very special for me and my family: Tongue

England pacer Josh Tongue, who made his international debut against Ireland in the One-off Test, expressed his delight over making the cut in England’s squad for the eagerly anticipated, Ashes 2023.

Notably, the selection panel decided to go with an unchanged setup from the One-off Test with the inclusion of Josh Tongue for the first two Tests. Tongue, who took a five-wicket haul on his international debut, expressed his delight and termed his selection as a special moment for him and his family. It is worth mentioning that the 25-year-old pacer returned bowling figures of 0/40 and 5/66 across the two innings against Ireland.

“I did not really expect to be in it, to be fair. It is very special for me and my family. A week ago, I did not know if I would be playing for Worcestershire or coming here. To play at Lord’s and to take five wickets was a very special moment,” Tongue told Sky Sports.

Taking two wickets in my first over in the second innings took the pressure off: Tongue

Besides expressing his delight, Josh Tongue also recalled a special moment from his debut Test for England. He said that it has been nothing less than a dream come true for him. Then he specifically recalled a moment during the second innings of the Ireland batting when he was handed over the ball to have a go at the Irish batters. Notably, Tongue picked up two wickets in the very first over of his bowling spell. He believes that hitting the right spot and length was the key and doing that from the very first ball is something he will always cherish ahead.

“I grew up wanting to play for England and when that came, I was over the moon. My first wicket was a blur but hitting that line and length first ball and taking two wickets in my first over [in the second innings] took the pressure off,” he added.

Following the conclusion of the One-off Test, the Three Lions will begin their preparations for the crucial Ashes 2023 on Tuesday, June 13 at Edgbaston. The two arch-rivals will lock horns in a five-match Test series scheduled to kickstart on June 16 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.

On the other hand, the Aussies have begun preparations in full swing for the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 (WTC) Final against team India. Following the One-off final, Australia will turn their attention towards retaining the Ashes trophy.

England squad for first two Ashes Tests: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue