FIT-AGAIN Josh Tongue is determined to ensure his preparations in the next couple of months all go to plan so he is ready to ‘come out flying’ when the 2019 campaign gets under way.
The Worcestershire paceman is delighted to be back bowling in the nets at Malvern College after suffering a stress fracture of a metatarsal in the final game of last season against Yorkshire at Blackfinch New Road.
Tongue is determined to try and continue to make strides in his career after Specsavers County Championship wicket hauls of 47 in 14 games in 2017 – his debut season – and 40 in 11 appearances last summer.
The recurrence of the foot injury ruled Tongue out of the England Lions’ clash with Pakistan ‘A’ in the UAE in November.
But now he is looking to build up the number of overs under his belt – indoors and then during the pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi before the new campaign starts.
The 21-year-old said: “It was frustrating to get injured in that last game against Yorkshire and have to pull out in the second innings because of my foot.
“I then got the call that morning about going on the Lions tour of the UAE (against Pakistan) and it was also disappointing not to be able to be part of that.
“But now I’ve had whole pre-season with Worcestershire, getting strong and fit, which has gone well, and now I’m bowling again (at Malvern College) and enjoying it.”
County academy product Tongue added: “I’ve got no problems at all with my foot.
“It’s difficult to come off your full run-up from indoors but the aim is to build the overs up in Abu Dhabi for the start of the season and come out flying.”