“It is an incredible feeling,” Josh Tongue says of his selection for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Throughout the first five days of the first Test at Edgbaston, England and Australia were neck-and-neck. However, a magnificent innings by captain Pat Cummins late in the game helped propel the Australians to a two-wicket victory. With the second Ashes Test scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 28 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, England has announced their squad for the match in an effort to reclaim the series lead. Notably, veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali was omitted from the squad, while 25-year-old Josh Tongue was added as England opts for an all-out pace attack with Joe Root as the spin option.

In a video shared across the ECB’s social media channels, Josh Tongue reflected on the moment and stated that he was ecstatic to take the pitch and realise his childhood goal.

“It is an incredible sensation. As a young child, I always desired to be in the Ashes series. “It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Josh Tongue in the video.

“Anyone who has participated in an Ashes series would agree that it is unique. It is a special occasion for me and my family because of what I have been through as well. “I cannot wait to play in front of a packed house at the Lord’s, the Mecca of cricket,” he added.

A special day

How good does it feel to be part of the team, @JoshTongue? #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/EvfloYCpzv

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 27, 2023

It’s an incredible sensation to receive approval: Josh Tongue

This will not be Tongue’s first appearance at Lord’s, as he recently made his international debut in a one-off Test against Ireland. Tongue also reflected on his performance against Ireland in the second innings, in which he claimed five wickets.

“I still don’t believe the Ireland Test match has really set in. It was a special occasion for me to receive the nod, as I did not take any wickets in the first innings. But taking the first two wickets in the first over relieved me of the burden. “Being on the Honours Board and taking five wickets at Lord’s is always something special,” said Tongue.