England select Tongue

ENGlAND will tomorrow hand a Test debut at lord’s to a bowler who last year feared his career was over. Such was the severity of the shoulder injury that kept Josh Tongue out of action for 15 months that the Worcestershire fast bowler was considering alternative employment. But he returned to such positive effect for the lions in Sri lanka last winter and then, earlier this season, became the first man in county cricket to take the wicket of Steve Smith. This has led to his surprise inclusion in the England team for the one-off Test against Ireland, at the expense of Chris Woakes. ‘When I went through those tough times I was tempted to pull the pin, retire and find something else to do,’ said Tongue. ‘I didn’t know if I’d be able to play cricket again. ‘I was in a dark place for those 15 months, just not knowing what was happening. But I’m just so glad I hung in there and stayed strong.’ It is a positive selection by England in keeping with every decision they have made under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Stuart Broad and Matthew Potts both play but they will be joined by a debutant instead of an old hand. McCullum said: ‘He’s a big strong lad, that’s for sure. He looks like he bowls quite fast and has some real skills.’ ENGLAND: Duckett, Crawley, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes (capt), Bairstow (wkt), Broad, Potts, Tongue, Leach.