Vaibhav Tripathi
Joshua Tongue, the promising Worcestershire fast bowler, is all set to make his England debut in the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland at Lord’s, starting on June 1. Originally drafted as cover due to injury concerns surrounding James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, Tongue has now been selected over the more seasoned Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. Meanwhile, Anderson and Robinson will be rested for the one-off game.
The 25-year-old impressed during the second unofficial Test for England Lions against Sri Lanka A earlier this year, claiming figures of 5 for 34 and 3 for 77. Tongue, a right-arm seamer with 162 First-Class wickets in 82 innings, has experienced a remarkable turnaround in his career. Just a year ago, he contemplated retirement following a 15-month hiatus caused by a shoulder injury.
Leading the bowling attack will be the veteran Stuart Broad, supported by Tongue and Matthew Potts as the other seam bowling options. Jack Leach will provide the frontline spin option for England.
Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow is set to make his return to international cricket after an unfortunate injury during a golfing mishap last year. Having last played for England in August 2022, Bairstow has demonstrated his fitness in the County Championship. He replaces Ben Foakes in the squad and will resume wicketkeeping duties.
England’s playing XI for the one-off Test vs Ireland: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Joshua Tongue, Jack Leach