Friday, January 27th, 2023

TONGUE EARNS LIONS CALL-UP FOR ODI SERIES AGAINST SRI LANKA

Worcestershire pace bowler Josh Tongue has earned further England Lions recognition after being added to the squad for the current ODI Series in Sri Lanka.

Tongue is already a member of the Lions squad for the two Tests in Galle and picked up four wickets in the three-day fixture against a Board XI in Colombo.

But now he will also be part of the set-up for three ODIs in Colombo on February 15, 18 and 21.

It is another boost for Tongue, who had feared his career could be over after suffering a long-term shoulder problem.

But he successfully returned to action for Worcestershire during the final two months of last season.

Worcestershire Head Coach, Alan Richardson, said: “Really pleased that Josh is going to have more recognition with the Lions.

“Any experience he gains like this will only benefit him going forward with his career.

“But it is also pleasing for everyone at the club who has played their part in getting him back to fitness.

“We’ve always known his potential, and he has been unfortunate to have a few injury setbacks.

“But Josh worked so hard to get back to playing last summer, and he continued that during the winter programme.”

Academy product Tongue made his debut for Worcestershire in 2016 and has picked up 143 first class wickets from 42 games.