As England gears up for a packed summer of cricket, all eyes are on one man making waves in the County Championship—Josh Tongue.
After a lengthy injury setback, the 27-year-old seamer is not just back—he’s back with a bang, and selectors have taken notice.
From the Sidelines to the Spotlight at Trent Bridge
Tongue, who had been out of domestic action since 2023 due to a ruptured pec and a torn hamstring, has come roaring back for Nottinghamshire.
Now leading the County Championship, Notts has been the perfect platform for his resurgence.
In just three matches, he’s bagged an impressive 15 wickets, showcasing not only his fitness but his fiery pace and aggression.
That kind of form couldn’t be ignored—especially with England’s fast-bowling stocks looking thin due to injuries and IPL commitments.
With Mark Wood and Olly Stone recovering and Jofra Archer currently in India, Tongue’s timing couldn’t be better.
A Likely Call-Up for the Zimbabwe Test
England’s Test summer kicks off on May 22 with a match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge—Tongue’s home turf—and he’s expected to be named in the squad later this week.
Having already featured in two Tests, including a fiery Ashes outing at Lord’s, the fast bowler brings experience and edge to the lineup.
Bowling Boosts from Other Comebacks
It’s not just Tongue making a timely return. Brydon Carse, another key pace option, is back bowling after a frustrating winter where a toe injury kept him on the sidelines.
The Durham man had a phenomenal run in late 2024, snatching 27 wickets in five Tests.
While he might not be rushed straight into the Zimbabwe clash, Carse will join a training camp in Loughborough next week to get back in the groove.
New Faces and Squad Shuffles on the Cards
With Chris Woakes nursing a calf issue, Essex’s Sam Cook is expected to earn his first England call-up.
Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts will also likely feature in the squad, adding variety and depth to the pace attack.
The idea is to balance performance with preparation, especially with tough series against India and Australia looming later this year.
Even Hampshire’s rising star Sonny Baker could be brought into the fold—not necessarily for immediate action, but to integrate him into the team’s culture, likely in view of white-ball fixtures against the West Indies.
No England Duty Yet for Bethell
One name who won’t be in the mix just yet is Jacob Bethell.
The Warwickshire all-rounder is currently playing in the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bangalore, and with RCB pushing for their first-ever title, he’ll stay put in India—for now.