Josh Tongue hoping to repeat Steve Smith trick after being handed Ashes chance

27 June 2023 , 17:00

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Josh Tongue is out to keep Steve Smith quiet for the second time this summer and deliver at a rapid rate for Ben Stokes.

Fast bowler Tongue has been given a licence to thrill with an Ashes debut at Lord’s, just weeks after his first and only Test so far against Ireland on the same ground. And after consistently topping 90 mph the aim is for him to create the same sort of mayhem that occurred four years ago, the last time Smith played a Test here.

It was a different bowler who caused the problems though when Jofra Archer sent a crackle of electricity through the crowd with his searing pace and hostile bowling. It was enough to pin Smith to the floor after being hit by a fierce bouncer, and Australia required Marnus Labuschagne to step in as a concussion sub.

Tongue might not operate at quite that extreme level of pace, but he was quick enough to trap Smith lbw for Worcestershire when Sussex played at New Road.

“Obviously it would be great to get Steve Smith out again,” said Tongue. “I was pretty happy the first time so if I can do it on a second occasion that would be good for the team as well and hopefully that will happen.

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“Coming into the side now for the next Test I feel like I can add a bit more pace and bounce to the attack and hopefully I can get a few wickets for the team as well.

“I knew the step up from county cricket to international cricket would be a big one, and playing here at Lord’s was a very special moment for myself having never played here before.

Josh Tongue got a five-wicket haul on debut against Ireland at Lord's

“To then get five wickets against Ireland on my debut was an incredible feeling and should give me confidence ahead of another chance against Australia.

“I’ve dreamt as a young kid growing up about playing in an Ashes series so to get the nod now is that dream come true. Whatever Stokesy asks me to do for the team I’m here to do it as best I can.”

He has been preparing with a red ball out in the middle alongside the Test strip which, with its green hue, has got him wondering what he might be able to do with it.

Tongue has kept himself ticking over since that game against Ireland with a trio of T20 Blast games for Worcestershire, but an Ashes Test is a whole other ball game.

Tongue has already earned the prized Aussie scalp of Steve Smith this summer

The 25-year-old got a small taste of what to expect in the oldest clash of all when he was sat in the dressing room at Edgbaston for the first two days before leaving to play for his county.

“That first ball that Zak hit to the boundary, the noise was just unbelievable,” he added. “I’d never heard anything like it and just being in the dressing room for the start of the game was a great environment.

“I’m just looking forward to getting going and trying to do what I can to help the team. There was a bit of pace in the wicket against Ireland so more of that would be nice.

“There is a green tinge to the pitch at the moment too which would benefit our seamers. And if there is a bit of nip and movement in the air then I think we can make the most of it.”