Introduction to Josh Tongue
“It’s Tongue as in T-U-N-G, not Tongue like T-O-N-G! What is that? TONG?” Josh Tongue laughs while in his young son’s playroom, revealing the mix-up surrounding the pronunciation of his last name since he made his Test debut in 2023. Despite receiving various pronunciations, he remains good-humored about it.
The Early Career of Josh Tongue
Over the past hour, Tongue has been refreshingly candid and grounded during our conversation. Standing at 6ft 4in, he projects an impressive figure capable of bowling above 90mph. I tread carefully while discussing his name, pondering if it might be similar to debates about “scones” and “sc-own-es.”
Wicket Success in the Ashes
“Nah – it’s T-U-N-G,” he clarifies, laughing. As a Nottinghamshire and England fast bowler, Tongue made a notable impact by taking 18 wickets in just three matches during the Ashes series, which saw England struggling. His fifth-wicket haul on Boxing Day at the MCG was particularly memorable, performed in front of a record crowd of 94,199.
Reflections on a Dream Game
“That was the stuff dreams are made of,” Tongue recalls with disbelief, reminiscing about childhood garden games with his brother, pretending to be in an Ashes Test. As England secured their first Test win on Australian soil since 2011, Tongue was honored as player of the match, marking a historic achievement for an England quick.
Challenges and Recovery
Months later, Tongue addresses the highs and lows that define his career. He feels ready for the domestic season but missed his club’s opening match while working to regain his peak fitness. Past injuries, including a serious bout with thoracic outlet syndrome, had him contemplating retirement in his 20s but he successfully recovered and made his Test debut for England just six months later.
Continued Injury Struggles
Despite his return to form, Tongue faced more setbacks, including a ruptured pectoral and torn hamstring that sidelined him for an entire season. He expressed remorse for not playing but received reassurance from head coach Peter Moores. Nevertheless, he maintains a positive outlook, feeling lucky to have supportive coaches who inspire confidence.
Looking Ahead
As Tongue looks forward to a pivotal summer, he aims to strengthen his position within the team, aspiring to be England’s opening bowler. He remains focused on taking wickets and relishes the challenge of dismissing high-caliber players like Steve Smith, for whom he has become a notable adversary. Despite occasional off-field distractions, Tongue’s dedication lies in making his mark in cricket and bringing joy to fans.
