England pacer Josh Tongue has been released from the Test squad ahead of the opening day of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford on Wednesday, 24 July, in order to join his county side Nottinghamshire for their County Championship match against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl.
Tongue left Old Trafford at lunchtime to travel to Southampton for the county fixture. Nottinghamshire currently sit second in the Division One table.
The Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club confirmed Tongue’s return via social media.
“Following the beginning of the fourth Rothesay Test at Old Trafford, Josh Tongue has been released from England duty to play for Nottinghamshire. The fast bowler will join the ongoing match against Hampshire on arrival at the Utilita Bowl,” the statement read.
Tongue featured in the first two Tests of the ongoing series against India and was one of England’s standout bowlers, taking eleven wickets across four innings. Despite his strong showing, he was dropped for the Lord’s Test to make way for Jofra Archer.
For the Manchester Test, England made just one change, with Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir.
In his short international career so far, Tongue has played five Test matches, taking 23 wickets at an average of 32.52.
Gus Atkinson, who has also been released from the England squad, will return to play for Surrey’s Second XI in a four-day match at New Malden.
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