Josh Tongue has been released from England duty midway through the Test series against India.
The bowler had featured in the first two matches of the five-match series.
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Tongue has been released from England duty midway through the fourth TestCredit: Getty
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The bowler had featured in the first two Tests of the five-match seriesCredit: Getty
However, he made way for the returning Jofra Archer for last week’s third Test at Lord’s.
Tongue remained part of the squad ahead of the fourth Test, which began today.
However, he has now been released in order to play for Nottinghamshire.
The 27-year-old left Old Trafford at lunch to head to Southampton for their County Championship match against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl.
In a statement on social media, Nottinghamshire wrote: “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.”
Nottinghamshire ended day one on Tuesday at 319/5 after being put into bat by Hampshire.
Tongue’s side currently sit second in the Division One table, while Hampshire are seventh.
The England star joined the club last year after previously representing Worcestershire.
However, he was made to wait for his debut until April due to injuries.
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Tongue will head to Southampton to play for Nottinghamshire against HampshireCredit: Getty
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The 27-year-old was dropped after the second Test to make way for Archer’s returnCredit: Getty
Speaking after his long-awaited bow against Durham, he told BBC Radio Nottingham: “It was an amazing feeling to be back out here and to play for Nottinghamshire for the first time.
“I had a bit of nerves performing with the crowd thinking ‘is Tongue good enough?’
“But hopefully they have gone home really happy with the first win of the season.”
Meanwhile, Tongue has made five Test appearances for England during his career.
Across those matches, he has taken 23 wickets and scored 33 runs.
He leaves Old Trafford with England leading the series 2-1 following the dramatic third Test.
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The hosts’ 22-run win at Lord’s saw them retake the lead in the series.
Following this week’s fourth Test, the series will conclude at The Oval between July 31 and August 4.