‘I was pretty happy the first time so, if I can do it on a second occasion..’ – Josh Tongue sets sight on most prized scalp in Australia’s camp ahead of Lord’s Test

Josh Tongue. (Photo Source: Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

The second Ashes Test between England and Australia will take place at Lord’s on Wednesday (June 28), and the young English pacer, Josh Tongue has his radar set on dismissing Steve Smith once more.

Playing for Worcestershire, Tongue bagged 11 wickets in the ongoing season of the County Championship Division Two before being called up to join the English side. His most coveted victim was Smith, whom he claimed during a match against Sussex. While Smith was playing for Sussex, the English pacer produced a cracking delivery that would nip back and trap him in front of the stumps, dismissing him for 30.

As Tongue has been named in the playing 11 for the second Ashes Test, the 25-year-old now finds himself on the verge of getting into yet another battle with Smith at Lords. According to ESPNcricinfo, Tongue added that it would be great to get the Australian star’s wicket once more since it would benefit England’s chances.

“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,” said Tongue as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Early in the month, Tongue made his Test debut against Ireland and exhibited a strong performance in the second innings where he collected a five-wicket haul at Lords. The 25-year-old added that playing at Lords was a very special experience for him.

Furthermore, he said that his performance against the Irish should give him confidence going into this match against Australia.

“I knew that the transition from county cricket to international cricket would be a big one,” Tongue remarked.

“Getting a five-wicket haul on my debut against Ireland was an amazing experience, and it should boost my confidence going into another opportunity against Australia.

“More of that would be excellent, as there was some pace on the pitch against Ireland. The pitch now has a green tint, which would be advantageous for all of our four seamers. And if there is some nip and movement in the air, I believe that our bowling unit can take advantage of it and make use of the conditions pretty well.”