Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

Tongue Celebrates Worcs Contract By Smashing 150 For Barnards Green

Tongue Celebrates Worcs Contract By Smashing 150 For Barnards Green

Worcestershire Academy product, paceman Josh Tongue, who has just signed his first professional contract with the County, also showed his prowess with the bat when playing for Barnards Green.

The 17-year-old celebrated his two year deal at New Road by smashing 150 off just 114 balls for his club side in the Birmingham League Division One fixture with Old Hill.

Tongue, who will start his contract with Worcestershire from October 1, hit seven sixes and 16 fours as Barnards Green amassed 334-9 in their 50 overs and then bowled out Old Hill for 152 in 41.5 overs.

Worcestershire bowling coach Matt Mason said: "I've known Josh for a long time. He's a young cricketer who has been around the county for a while now.

"These last couple of years he has really developed nicely. He had a terrific winter with us out at Malvern. He is a big lad for a seam bowler, he is about six feet, five inches tall now and he's only 17.

"He is going to get a little bit taller still we think. He has got terrific skills for a young lad. He has got to get a little bit fitter and stronger now so it is great news he has signed his first professional contract and we can put the work in with him.

"What people also might not know is he also bats. He got 150 at the weekend for Barnard Green and he is going to be a very useful cricketer. I'm very excited with the chance of working for Josh.

"He is not only a very good potential bowler but also an all-round cricketer."