WORCESTERSHIRE’S Josh Tongue has been included in England’s IT20 squad for the first time after taking 10 wickets in his two Test appearances for his country earlier this summer.
The academy product took a five-for on his Test debut against Ireland before then taking five wickets as England were beaten by Australia in the second test of this summer’s Ashes series.
And the pace bowler has been rewarded for his efforts with a first call-up to England’s IT20 squad ahead of a four-match series against New Zealand.
The series begins on Wednesday, August 30 at Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street with the second match to take place at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday, September 1.
And the third fixture takes place at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Sunday, September 3 with the series finale at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Tuesday, September 5.
England’s squad for the four-match Vitality IT20 Series against the Blackcaps also includes uncapped duo Gus Atkinson and John Turner.
Elsewhere, Ben Stokes returns to England’s ODI side after reversing his decision to retire from the format with the One-Day series against New Zealand to take place after the IT20 games have been completed.
England men’s national selector, Luke Wright, said: “We have been able to name two extremely strong squads that underline the depth of talent we enjoy in white-ball cricket.
“The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again.
“We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes.
“Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”
England men’s IT20 squad
Jos Buttler (Lancashire – captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Worcestershire), John Turner (Hampshire), Luke Wood (Lancashire).
