Josh Tongue still marvels at his “crazy summer” last year but the swiftness of his rise and injury setbacks along the way have taught the England fast bowler not to look too far ahead.
Tongue followed up a five-wicket haul on Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s last June by returning to the venue weeks later and snaring David Warner and Steve Smith in both innings in his lone Ashes match.
A couple of separate pectoral issues – unconnected to a shoulder nerve problem that sidelined him between June 2021 and August 2022 – have interrupted his progress, denying him an ODI debut in the Caribbean at the back end of last year and possible involvement in England’s recent Test tour of India.
After going under the knife in December, Tongue is back bowling in practice again ahead of schedule and awaiting the green light to return to competitive action for the first time since last August.
Having switched counties over the winter from Worcestershire to Nottinghamshire, the 26-year-old’s focus is on impressing at Trent Bridge rather than looking ahead to the English Test summer.
“I don’t really look into the future at all,” he told the PA news agency. “Last summer, I didn’t think I would have ever played for England and then all of a sudden, I had the phone call and I was selected.
“It was a crazy summer and it all happened so quickly. It took me a while to let it all sink in. Getting out the world’s top-class batters is an amazing feeling.
“Whatever I do as a bowler is to try and do the best for the team. When I do get back playing, I just want to focus on doing as well as I can for Notts and if England do come knocking then happy days.”
Having handed Tongue a two-year central contract, England are likely to be keeping a close eye on him, with the first Test of the summer not starting until July 10 against the West Indies at Lord’s.
There is at least one seamer vacancy following Stuart Broad’s retirement last year and with Rob Key, England’s director of men’s cricket, suggesting recently they are on the lookout for bowlers who can consistently operate in the mid-to-high 80mph range, Tongue fits the bill.
“There’s loads of fast bowlers in the country so there’s a good group of us now who are going to push for a spot,” Tongue said.
“Every team likes having fast bowlers, they’ve got a point of difference, especially when there’s not much going out there and you need someone that bowls 85-90mph to change the game.”
While Broad has also left a sizeable hole at Nottinghamshire, Tongue rejected out of hand the suggestion he could be the long-term replacement.
“Not at all,” he said. “I’m a different bowler. I go about things differently to what Broady would have done.
“He was an unbelievable bowler and somebody I grew up watching. To share the changing room for England last year was amazing. I haven’t thought about filling his shoes at all, I just want to do the best I can for Notts.”
Tongue was not alone in leaving Worcestershire for Nottinghamshire in the close-season, with Dillon Pennington and Jack Haynes also moving to the east midlands.
“I just want to win games for Notts, that’s why I came here,” Tongue added. “I want to win trophies. It’s every cricketer’s aim.”
Nottinghamshire, who were beaten by Essex in their Vitality County Championship opener, are due to welcome Worcestershire this week although Tongue is unlikely to be available against his former club.
Brandon King and Evin Lewis lead West Indies to comfortable five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in first T20I
Brandon King and Evin Lewis powered the West Indies to a commanding five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of their three-match T20 International series in Dambulla on Sunday. The duo's explosive partnership at the top of the order laid the foundation for the West Indies to chase down Sri Lanka’s total of 179 with five balls to spare.
Chasing 180 for victory, King and Lewis put on a blistering 107-run opening stand off just 55 balls, propelling the West Indies to 74 runs in the powerplay and setting the tone for the remainder of the chase. King, who was named Player of the Match and Match MVP, top-scored with a stylish 63, while Lewis smashed a quickfire 50. Their partnership effectively nullified the efforts of Sri Lanka's middle-order batters Kamindu Mendis (51) and Charith Asalanka (59), who had earlier helped the hosts to a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers briefly slowed the West Indies' momentum in the middle overs, with Matheesha Pathirana taking 2 for 27. However, the West Indies remained in control throughout, and despite the loss of a few wickets, they had enough firepower in their batting lineup to seal the win. Sherfane Rutherford finished the game in style, hitting a boundary off the first ball of the final over to bring the West Indies home at 180 for 5.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 179 for 7, thanks to the 82-run partnership between Asalanka and Mendis. The West Indies bowlers did well to keep Sri Lanka in check, with Romario Shepherd picking up 2 for 39 and Shamar Joseph being the most economical, conceding just 27 runs from his four overs.
West Indies will take confidence from this victory as they head into the second match of the series, with Brandon King and Evin Lewis’ dominant opening partnership proving to be the key in their comfortable win.
Bolden’s maiden century puts Wildey on course for victory in BCA Elite Three-Day Competition
Nimar Bolden’s maiden century has put Wildey in a commanding position against ESA Field Pickwick as they edge closer to an innings victory in Series 5 of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Elite division three-day Championship. On the second day of the match at Wildey, the 21-year-old left-hander scored a brilliant 119 to help Wildey post 300 for six declared, building a massive first-innings lead of 239 runs.
Bolden, who started the day on 36 with Wildey at 112 for one, faced 148 balls and struck eight fours and four sixes. His knock was supported by Demetrius Richards, who made 57, and Carlos Maynard, who contributed 39, helping Wildey pile on the runs before declaring after 56 overs.
Pickwick struggled in their second innings, closing on 112 for seven, still trailing by 127 runs. Opener Craig Holder top-scored with 50 off 98 balls, putting on 58 for the fourth wicket with Shamar Forde (29). However, Jerome Jones with three for nine and Jofra Archer, who took three for 21 to add to his first-innings haul of five for seven, kept Wildey in firm control.
At Bank Hall, defending champions Empire were battling Fusionz Boutique Spartan, who took a 35-run first-innings lead after being bowled out for 260. West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the standout for Empire, finishing with figures of four for 38. Empire were in trouble at 112 for six but fought back to reach 225 all out, with Shaquille Cumberbatch top-scoring with 59 and Camarie Boyce adding 37. Off-spinner Chaim Holder took four for 70, and pacer Sadrian Ward claimed three for 42. Spartan will resume their second innings on one without loss.
At Beckles Road, Wanderers took a first-innings lead over Bayview Hospital YMPC after responding to YMPC’s 280 for seven declared with 283 for six declared. West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite led the charge for Wanderers, finishing unbeaten on 78, while opener Shayne Moseley made 76. YMPC were 12 without loss at the close of play in their second innings.
At Friendship, UWI fought back after IGS Insurance Brokers Yorkshire secured a first-innings lead of 51. Yorkshire were dismissed for 305, with Athelbert Brathwaite scoring 86 and Indal Persaud adding 79. UWI reached 147 for two at stumps, with Amari Goodridge on 77 not out and Shaqkere Parris unbeaten on 57.
At Lester Vaughan, Superb Bend Gladiola took a 36-run first-innings lead over SigniaGlobe Financial Barbados Youth, posting 253. All-rounder Giovonte Depeiza top-scored with 51. The Barbados Youth team closed on 27 for two in their second innings.
As the competition continues, Wildey, Spartan, Wanderers, and Gladiola all look set to push for strong finishes in this round of the BCA Elite division three-day Championship.
Powell fancies Windies chances against Sri Lanka amid unpredictable conditions
West Indies captain Rovman Powell is embracing the challenge to come as he leads his team into the first encounter of a highly anticipated three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Having touched down in the Subcontinent to less-than-ideal weather conditions, Powell declared his squad's readiness to battle not only their opposition but also the elements.
First ball is 9:30am Eastern Caribbean time and 8:30am in Jamaica.
"It's always challenging for a West Indies team to tour Sri Lanka. Fortunately for us, we have guys that have toured Sri Lanka before and it's also an opportunity for guys to get their feet wet in conditions that will play the next T20 World cup," Powell said in a pre-game interview.
"A lot of rain has been around as well since we've been here on Thursday. It's typical Sri Lankan conditions because the ball will spin and grip, and they tend to make those type of wickets for their advantage. But this is a West Indies team that has quality spinners also, so we're definitely looking for the challenge," he added.
Adaptation is something Powell has grown used to throughout his career and, as such, knows the importance of experience.
Alongside senior players like Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, and others, Powell aims to set the tone early for the team, especially for rising talents such as Terrence Hinds, Shamar Springer, and others, as he emphasized the value of leadership, not just through words but by example.
"Yeah, I think it's exciting times for new talents to come through in the T20 setup. You know, it's also important for me as a leader to lead from the front. You know, once I lead from the front, the young guys will naturally follow. Myself and a few other experienced guys are here, so hopefully we can lead from the front so that young Terrence Hinds and Shamar springer, those guys would follow," Powell stated.
The Sri Lankan team, known for its craftiness in home conditions, will be no easy task. But Powell's confidence in his squad remains steady.
"Yeah, a Sri Lankan team at home is always challenging; you know, world cricket need a good Sri Lanka team just as much as they need a good West Indies team. It goes well to see both teams playing good cricket at the moment, so it should be a fascinating series and I think our guys are upbeat about our chances of playing Sri Lanka and beating Sri Lanka at home," the Jamaican noted.
With his eyes set on victory, Powell is hoping his team can continue to command the support of Caribbean fans with another series of quality performances.
"I think for the last 12 months or so, the Caribbean have been rallying around us. When we play our home games, they have supported us in their numbers in the stadium. Now provides a different challenge where they have to wake up early in the morning and tune in, whether it be via radio or via TV, but hopefully we can put on a good show for them and I'm sure once we are playing good cricket, they will look forward to watching us," he ended.
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