Fast bowler Josh Tongue is delighted to be back playing first-team cricket for Worcestershire CCC – and amongst the wickets.
The 23-year-old returned 5-39 in helping Worcestershire bowl out Durham for 246 on day one of the LV=Insurance County Championship encounter at the Emirates Riverside.
It is only his second senior appearance of the season after a winter shoulder operation and then building up match fitness in a series of Second Eleven games.
Tongue said: “It was a nice day for myself to get a five-for, and it’s great to be back with the lads getting wickets for Worcestershire.
“I’ve struggled with injuries for the past two or three years, and this winter had a shoulder op in November before getting my overs numbers up and confidence back into my body playing for the Seconds.
“Performing with the first team is where I want to be.”
Tongue’s two wickets in three balls after lunch helped turn the game in Worcestershire favour after Durham had reached 80-2 at lunch after being put in to bat.
He said: “We were a little disappointed with the lunch score, but Joe Leach (Club Captain) had a good chat with us at lunchtime.
“After lunch, we bowled well and picked up our rewards, and it was good to get the two wickets in three balls and then to be given the second new ball.
“The pitch was slow and low, especially in the first session and even when bowling a few bouncers at the end, it wasn’t going through at all and hard work to get the ball over chest height.”
Worcestershire will resume on 6-0 in their first innings on Friday morning.
Tongue added: “Durham have a good bowling attack and showed that in their last game against Warwickshire.
“But if we can get a 50-60 run lead, it will be crucial.”
