England’s rookie pacer Josh Tongue is eyeing the prized wicket of Australia’s talisman, Steve Smith, in the second Ashes Test, which will be played at Lord’s. Tongue, who has replaced Moeen Ali in the second Test match in the final XI, will be looking to deliver for the hosts. Smith, on the other hand, had returned with scores of 16 and 6 in the opening Test against England.
Meanwhile, Tongue, a right-arm fast-medium bowler, had dismissed Steve Smith, who was playing for Sussex, in County Division Two Championships while playing for Worcestershire.
The 25-year-old recently made his Test debut against Ireland and picked up a total of five wickets.
“It would be great to get Steve Smith out again,” said Tongue as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
“I was pretty happy the first time so, if I can do it on a second occasion, that would be good for the team as well and hopefully that will happen.”
The youngster admitted there is a huge gulf between County Cricket and International cricket. Tongue added that playing at Lord’s will be a special moment for him and he will look to be at his best for the hosts in the second Test.
“I knew the step up from county cricket to international cricket would be a big one, and playing here at Lord’s was a very special moment for myself, having never played here before,” Tongue said. “To then get five wickets against Ireland on my debut was an incredible feeling and should give me confidence ahead of another chance against Australia.
“There was a bit of pace in the wicket against Ireland so more of that would be nice,” he added. “There is a green tinge to the pitch at the moment which would benefit all of our seamers. And if there is a bit of nip and movement in the air then I think our bowling unit can benefit from that and use the conditions in our favour.”
The Lord’s pitch is expected to provide assistance to the seamers and Tongue will aim to deliver along with James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Stuart Broad.
The second Ashes Test starts Wednesday onwards.
England XI for 2nd Ashes Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, James Anderson.
