Josh Tongue describes his journey from thinking about retiring to receiving a central contract from the ECB.

Josh Tongue, a young pacer from England, has had an incredibly busy past twelve months. After suffering a severe shoulder injury that sidelined him for fifteen months, the 26-year-old was considering retirement at the end of 2022. However, he turned into one of just seven English fast bowlers to secure multi-year central contracts with the England Cricket Board (ECB).

During the England Lions’ tour to Sri Lanka at the start of 2023, Tongue received his first red-ball cap from Rob Key, managing director of the England men’s cricket team. Key was delighted by the youthful player’s eight wickets during his debut.

When Tongue dismissed Steve Smith in the County Championship match between Worcestershire and Sussex, his reputation took a significant boost. In June, the right-arm seamer made his Test debut at Lord’s in an England versus Ireland one-off match. He achieved his first five-for in international cricket, impressing both analysts and spectators alike. After that, he made his Ashes debut by playing the Lord’s Test and dismissing Smith once more.

“The past year has been kind of a wild ride. I was ecstatic to be selected for that Lions tour of Sri Lanka after almost retiring due to a shoulder ailment before that. And this summer—playing the Ireland Test, making the Ashes squad, and then going to Lord’s to play that match—was a unique experience that seemed a little weird, Tongue told ESPNcricinfo.

“Being selected for the Ireland Test was a bit of a surprise since there were a couple of injuries. I didn’t start the season well for Worcestershire (11 Division Two wickets at 41.45 in four matches before his maiden Test call-up). It was really laid back until I got in there with Baz [Brendon McCullum] and Stokesy, and it was great to be around Jimmy (Anderson) and Stuart Broad,” he continued.

I had no idea that Jimmy Anderson would be my hitting partner.  Josh Tongue

Tongue spoke warmly about his Test debut against Ireland, recalling how nervous he was to play in front of a full house. He added that he never imagined batting with James Anderson, but the Lord’s Ashes Test gave him the chance to do so.

“It was quite the match!” he thought to himself. “For me, it was simply passing through the Long Room before the national anthem was performed. I’ve told my loved ones and friends that I will always remember that time in the Long Room. Inside, everything is electrified. The fact that the oil protestors started right away didn’t help either; all I could think was, “Ugh, I just want to start playing now.” I believe there were only about 28,000 spectators in the Ireland Test, which is the largest audience I have ever performed for. I knew that the Ashes match would be sold out, with 35,000 people expected to attend. Simply wonderful!” Tongue exclaimed.

“The crowd was incredible, especially though I was batting towards the end with Jimmy Anderson—I never would have imagined it even a few months prior. I attempted to roam around the crease, try to have a little fun (tongue struck 19 off 26), and, um, was bowled at the end.”

Josh Tongue is capable of bowling at a constant pace of 140 km/h. This, he believed, could make him a formidable weapon in subcontinental settings.

“I think that my pace, ability to reverse the ball, and my bouncer tactic—which Stokes clearly enjoys—will aid the squad in subcontinental conditions. I am aware that being a member of the test squad relieves a lot of strain. Although it will certainly be much different in India, Stokesy and Baz were really helpful in teaching me how to play cricket: “You are here for a reason; you are good enough to be here; have fun; chill out; don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” I’ve never gone to India, so if I am picked, it will be really wonderful,” Tongue continued.

England’s squads for their forthcoming December white-ball matches against the West Indies include the gifted pacer. Jos Buttler and company will be seeking to bounce back from the disastrous 2023 ODI World Cup and rebuild for the future. One player to keep an eye on in England’s attempt to turn around its white-ball fortunes is Tongue.