[Watch] James Anderson hands Josh Tongue his first Test cap ahead of Ireland game
Veteran England seamer James Anderson handed Josh Tongue his maiden international cap before the one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's, starting on Thursday (June 1). Anderson, sitting out of the Ireland Test to keep himself fit for the Ashes, gave a small speech before handing the cap to the right-arm speedster.
Following the memorable moment, the 25-year-old posed for a family photo. His entire family, including his mother, father, wife and child were present for the momentous occasion. Tongue will bowl first-change on his Test debut.
Josh Tongue makes his Test match debut 👏👏 https://t.co/kVU7nkAfCX
The Worcestershire seamer sneaked into the squad after some encouraging performances in county cricket, including dismissing Steve Smith once. In 47 first-class matches, he has 162 wickets at 26.04 with seven five-wicket hauls.
"It's going to be a massive thing for Worcester" - Josh Tongue
Ahead of his Test debut, Tongue said he hardly expected himself to play. He reckons he got to play by bowling well to world-class players at the nets.
Tongue was quoted as saying by Sky Sports:
"It's an amazing feeling. I'm speechless really, even from when I got the first call up to be in the squad. Now being in the actual team, it's just a dream come true. I was going in with no expectations to be playing at all, just bowling at high-class players at the nets was good for me. I must have bowled fairly well to get selected. It's going to be a massive thing for Worcester."
Following his call-up to the squad to face Ireland, the rookie pacer said he is not thinking about the Ashes and is trying to stay in the present. He said:
"I haven't really thought about the Ashes. I am quite a level-minded person and have just been trying to put in performances for Worcestershire. It was a nice feeling getting Steve Smith out, one of the best batters in the world. It was an amazing experience to bowl against him, and [Cheteshwar Pujara] as well."
A debutant among our team for the first Test of the summer! 🦁
#ENGvIRE
Meanwhile, England have won the toss at Lord's and elected to bowl first.