Josh Tongue is relishing an almighty challenge as Surrey visit Trent Bridge for a clash of the top two sides in Rothesay County Championship Division One.

“We want to put on a good show for everyone that comes out to support us this weekend!” enthused Tongue, who is back in the Nottinghamshire squad for a mouthwatering showdown.

“It’s obviously one of the games that the members and supporters are looking forward to, and we’ve said for a long time that Surrey are one of the best teams to play against.”

“The lads did unbelievably well against Leicestershire last week, so hopefully we can put on a good performance this time as well.”

Tongue is the only addition to a squad of 13 that will host the Brown Caps at Trent Bridge, with Farhan Ahmed making way from last week’s group that travelled to Grace Road.

Brett Hutton, meanwhile, remains an enforced absentee after being substituted out of the win over the Foxes ahead of day three.

“I’m really excited. I think it will be a great game to be a part of,” continued Tongue.

“After the game last year down at the Oval, and with them now coming to us, it will be a great game both for us and for the fans.”

While naturally enthused about the thrilling 20-run conclusion to the clash at the Kia Oval between the sides last summer, Tongue looks forward with a magnanimous attitude.

“It was obviously an unbelievable game to be a part of last year, but this is a new season now, so we’re just trying to focus on each game as it comes, he said.

“We’re in a really good place. Obviously, we want everybody to contribute to the team, because that’s how we’re going to win games of cricket.

“I think that’s what we did so well last year; it wasn’t just a few people doing well, it was a collective doing well.

“Having that is ultimately how you’re going to win games, and yes, we’ve started well, but we’re now totally focused on this week.”

On an individual level, Tongue is also thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to be based back at Trent Bridge and working amongst the Nottinghamshire coaching staff once more.

“It was a long winter, being away with England, and I couldn’t wait to get back,” he said. “Being part of this group is amazing, and I can’t wait to get back out there with the lads.

“What happened last year, where I contributed to winning games of cricket for Notts, is exactly what I want to do again this year as well, every time I play.

“[Kevin Shine] and I have a really good relationship. We work really well together, and he doesn’t put too much pressure on me.

“I know I’m not going to bowl well in every spell, but he’s so good at putting that confidence back in me, which will help me perform.”

As well as gleaning what he can from those above, Tongue is also keen to utilise his own experience to contribute positively to the entire Green and Gold squad.

“My motto when I play cricket is to go out there and enjoy it; that’s exactly why I started playing cricket when I was younger,” explained Tongue.

“Things aren’t going to go well for you every time, whether that’s injuries or anything else - and I’ve been through a lot of that - but you just have to make sure you’ve done all your hard work.

“If you’ve prepared well before games start, whether that’s in the first or the second team, and you’ve done your work and you feel ready to go, that’s a good place to be in.”

The seamer is also strongly assertive about controlling the controllables, and believes that is the most likely path to success, rather than any focus on each opposition side.

“If we do the basics right ourselves, and put ourselves in a good position, then we believe we’ll do well. We go from there, and see how that takes us,” he said.

“Obviously, we are going to come under pressure at certain points in the game, but it’s about how we adapt and respond to that.

“That’s something we’ve been speaking about quite a lot recently, and I feel like that’s something we’ve done a lot to start this season, and with success too.”