England have released Josh Tongue from their squad just minutes after the start of the Manchester Test against India. Tongue, who played the first two matches, made way for the returning Jofra Archer in the lineup for the Lord’s Test.
The 27-year-old pacer remained with the England squad for the fourth Test but was once again overlooked for the match as the hosts brought in just Liam Dawson into the side. Once the match got underway, Tongue was let go from the side to head to Southampton for Nottinghamshire’s County Championship match against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl. The county side made the announcement on their official X account.
“Following the beginning of the fourth Rothesay Test at Old Trafford, Josh Tongue has been released from England duty to play for Nottinghamshire. The fast bowler will join the ongoing match against Hampshire on arrival at Utilita Bowl,” read the statement from Nottinghamshire.
talkSport are reporting that Tongue left Old Trafford during the lunch break. Nottinghamshire had ended day one on Tuesday at 319/5 after being put into bat by Hampshire. Tongue’s side currently sit second in in the Division One table, while Hampshire are seventh.
Tongue’s performances in the England vs India series
In terms of wickets picked, Tongue was one of England’s best bowlers in the ongoing series. In the two matches that he played, the pacer picked up 11 wickets across four innings. However, Tongue conceded 370 runs in the 486 balls he delivered during the series.
But once Archer returned to the side, Tongue was the casualty as England bounced back in the Lord’s Test with a 22-run win. England lead the series 2-1 at the moment with the Manchester Test being crucial for both sides.
Tongue has played 5 Tests for England and has picked up 23 wickets and scored 33 runs during that time.