Kadeer Ali says Worcestershire pace bowler Josh Tongue “feels in a good place” after he impressed for the Seconds in their innings victory over Gloucestershire at Rockhampton in the Second Eleven Championship this week.
Tongue continued his comeback from a shoulder problem by delivering an explosive burst on the third morning when he picked up five wickets for 13 runs in 5.3 overs.
It was another encouraging sign after his comeback in the Royal London Cup with two key wickets in the Rapids win over Essex Eagles at New Road.
Seconds Coach Kadeer said: “Josh was superb with the new ball. He got good pace and bounce, bowled quickly and hit some good areas.
“He hit the pitch hard and asked really good questions of the batters. He is not pleasant to face when he is fit and hits the pitch like that.
“We are delighted for him. He got through two Royal London Cup games and did well in the three days here.
“Josh and I had some good conversations during the game, and he feels in a good place.”
Kadeer was pleased with “an excellent team performance” which earned Worcestershire 23 points.
Rehaan Edavalath and Ben Cox scored centuries in a first innings total of 539, left-armer Ben Gibbon impressed in Gloucestershire’s first innings, and then spinner Olly Davidson picked up five wickets in their second innings.
Kadeer said: “The key in the games we have done well in this year is that the guys have got big scores on the board.
“Ben and Rehaan batted superbly, and then we did really well with the ball in the two innings.
“Ben bowled really well in the first innings, and Olly bowled nicely, got a few balls to spin, showed good control and picked up some crucial wickets.
“It was a good all-round performance by the bowlers who bowled well in partnerships. It was an excellent team performance.”
