When injuries kept him out of action for extended periods of time a few years ago, Josh Tongue thought about retiring. However, the England fast bowler was glad he persisted after leading his team to a four-wicket victory in the fourth Ashes Test against Australia in Melbourne.
With best bowling figures of 5-45, Tongue captured a five-wicket haul in the first innings to help skittle Australia for 152. However, fellow bowler Gus Atkinson’s injury caused a batting collapse in the second innings.
“It’s what dreams are made of,” Tongue said after being named the player of the match. “Obviously waking up on Boxing Day, there were a few nerves. But to get a ‘fifer’ and get my name on the honours board, it’s a really special feeling.”
The 28-year-old has experienced extended spells of inactivity due to thoracic outlet syndrome, a disorder that compresses the blood vessels or nerves between the neck and shoulder, early in his career.
After tearing his hamstring and rupturing his right pectoral muscle in 2023, he recovered in time to make his competitive comeback for the national team at the beginning of 2025.
After missing the first two Tests in Australia, Tongue took Atkinson’s position in the third and made an impression with a four-wicket spell in Adelaide’s second innings.
“I’m 100% glad I stuck with the sport,” added Tongue. “I was in a tough situation with my body and stuff. I was potentially retiring, but I’m glad that I put in the hard work to get myself back playing cricket and now playing for England. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
After Andrew Strauss’s squad defeated the hosts by an innings and 83 runs in the fifth Test in Sydney during the 2010–11 series, Tongue’s heroics contributed to England’s first Test victory in Australia in 15 years.
Australia has already retained the urn and is leading the series 3-1. Starting on January 3, the fifth and final Test between the two teams will take place in Sydney.
