ENG vs IRE Test: Josh Tongue’s maiden fifer helps hosts over the line in Lone Test

ENG vs IRE Test: After Josh Tongue, a rookie fast bowler, starred in England’s 10-wicket victory over Ireland in the one-off Test at Lord’s on Saturday, June 3, captain Ben Stokes showered him with praise.

As England began their preparations for the much awaited Ashes, Tongue notched up a 5-wicket haul in his debut Test at the historic Lord’s.

Josh Tongue picked up all three Ireland wickets that dropped on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test, making up for the fact that he was wicketless in the first innings after Stuart Broad ran amok on Day 1.

Prior to Fionn Hand being his sixth victim, the 25-year-old Worcestershire pacer added the significant wicket of Harry Tector on Day 3 morning to his total.

ENG vs IRE Test: Josh Tongue’s spectacular performance gets in a place in the English Ashes squad

In his first Test, young Tongue played the third seamer’s duty to perfection by getting the ball to go both ways. Captain Stokes emphasised that Tongue’s outstanding performance bodes well for England before the Ashes.

Notably, Tongue was included in England’s 16-man Ashes 2023 team when the hosts unveiled their lineup for the series’ opening two Test matches.

“Tongue came in and performed really well, he’d performed that third seamer role and showed how versatile he can be. Something we’re looking for in a seam bowler. Keep it simple for everyone. Pretty special getting a five-for for England at Lord’s,” Stokes said.

The tall Tongue performed the third seamer’s role in his debut Test flawlessly by getting the ball to travel in all directions. Tongue’s strong performance is encouraging for England before the Ashes, Captain Stokes highlighted.

It should be noted that Tongue was a part of England’s 16-man Ashes 2023 squad when the hosts revealed their side for the first two Test matches of the series.

“Thought Ireland came out and showed grit and determination. Gives us a little insight into what we might have to do against Australia. It got flatter as it went on. Trying to take the game on in our own way allowed us to potentially bowl them out without batting again. Ireland had to get a really good score to put us under pressure. Good test and credit to Ireland,” he added.

With the help of three boundaries, Zak Crawley helped England complete the 11-run task in 0.4 overs.

The first of five Ashes Test matches between England and Australia will begin on June 16 at Edgbaston.

Also read: England name unchanged squad for first two Ashes tests

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