Jack Haynes believes Worcestershire team-mate Josh Tongue is “one of the best bowlers around” when fit as the duo prepare for the England Lions tour of Sri Lanka.
Batter Haynes has seen first-hand how pace bowler Tongue has had to come to terms with and battle back from a long-term shoulder injury.
He made his comeback at the tail-end of last summer, and his potential has been recognised by the Lions, who are playing two Tests in Sri Lanka in January and February.
Haynes said: “So pleased for Josh. He’s had a horrible couple of years in terms of injuries and inability to play.
“But, when he is fit, there is no doubt he is one of the best bowlers around.
“It was brilliant to see him back playing for Worcestershire last August and September and now getting this recognition from the Lions as well.
“I know how difficult it has been for him, not being able to do any fitness work for long periods, let alone play any cricket and bowling.
“But Josh has worked incredibly hard to return to where he is now, and, fingers crossed, his injuries are now behind him.
“If you look at his record, when he plays, he tends to take wickets and causes real problems to batters.”
The Worcestershire duo and their Lions team-mates will undergo fitness tests at the National Performance Centre, Loughborough, tomorrow (Thursday) before flying out to Sri Lanka for the two-Test series.
