Josh Tongue: ‘When it comes to selection, everyone knows I’m pretty chilled.’
In a candid and wide-ranging conversation, England and Nottinghamshire paceman Josh Tongue opens up about the unusual medical treatments that saved his career, his aspirations to become England's opening bowler, and the correct pronunciation of his surname. The 28-year-old fast bowler, standing at 6ft 4in and capable of bowling above 90mph, reflects on a journey marked by dramatic highs and challenging lows.
Pronunciation and Perspective
Josh Tongue is quick to clarify a common misconception: his surname is pronounced "T-U-N-G," not "T-O-N-G." He laughs off the mispronunciations, stating, "They can call me what they like, the Aussie fans did as you can imagine. As long as I’m on the park and taking wickets, that’s enough for me." This laid-back attitude extends to his approach to team selection, where he remains unfazed by decisions, focusing instead on the experience gained from being part of the squad.
Ashes Success and Dream Moments
Tongue's performance during the Ashes series was a highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign for England. Introduced in the third Test with England trailing 2-0, he took 18 wickets across three matches, including a five-wicket haul at the MCG on Boxing Day in front of a record crowd of 94,199. "That was the stuff dreams are made of," he recalls, still with a sense of disbelief. Named player of the match, he became the first England quick to earn that accolade in an Australian Test since Dean Headley in 1998.
Career-Saving Botox Injections
The path to success was not without its obstacles. In 2022, Tongue faced thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition causing pain and numbness in his arms and fingers, which nearly forced him into early retirement. "It was just a horrible time," he admits, revealing that he was close to filling out insurance forms with the Professional Cricketers’ Association. A specialist suggested Botox injections as a last resort to relax the muscles and ease compression. Remarkably, he was bowling again within weeks and made his Test debut for England six months later.
Injuries and Inspirational Coaches
Despite this breakthrough, injuries persisted, including a ruptured pectoral and torn hamstring that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season with Nottinghamshire. He credits coaches Peter Moores and Brendon McCullum for their support, saying, "They’ve both given me so much confidence." Moores, in particular, reassured him during a low moment, emphasizing that injuries are part of the game and not something to apologize for.
Aspirations and Rivalries
Tongue's dream is clear: "My dream is to be England’s opening bowler. That’s where my eyes are at the minute." Known for his skill with the ball, he has earned the nickname "the mop" for cleaning up tailenders but has also proven effective against top-order batsmen like Steve Smith. He has dismissed Smith five times in seven first-class innings, a feat he describes as "amazing," given Smith's stature in the game. The two shared a lighthearted beer after the Ashes series, with Tongue preferring to keep cricket talk off the field.
Moving Forward from Off-Field Incidents
Recently, Tongue was involved in an off-field incident in Wellington where Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer. The cricket regulator took no further action against him, and he received a caution notice. "Things have happened and I’ve learned from them," he says, emphasizing his focus on playing cricket for England and making fans happy. As he prepares for a pivotal summer, Tongue is determined to let his performances do the talking, regardless of how his name is pronounced.
