Joshua Charles Tongue, widely known as Josh Tongue, is an English cricketer who made his mark as a fast bowling prospect in English cricket. Born on November 30, 1997, in England, Tongue showcased his exceptional skills and talent from a young age and has built a reputation as a formidable pace bowler.
Tongue’s journey to success has not been without its challenges. At the age of 18, he faced a major setback when he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder, which necessitated two surgeries and botox injections. This injury put his career on hold for 15 months and led him to question whether he would ever be able to return to the game he loved. Tongue describes this period as a “really dark place,” but his determination and resilience ultimately helped him conquer his injury and make an inspiring comeback.
In 2017, Tongue’s talents shone through as he made his debut season with Worcestershire, playing a vital role in their promotion. Not only did he contribute significantly to the team’s success, but he also earned his England U19 Test debut and secured a place in the England Lions squad for their tour to Australia. Tongue’s rapid rise continued as he impressed coach Brendon McCullum with his lively pace, bounce, and exceptional attitude, leading to his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2019.
Notably, Tongue’s success in the 2017 season allowed him to secure a spot in the England Lions squad for a tour of Sri Lanka. This winter tour was pivotal in putting him back in the national selectors’ spotlight and ultimately resulted in his call-up to the senior Test squad. His performances during this period highlighted his ability to generate significant pace and bounce, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Having been introduced to cricket by his father, who is a cricket coach, Tongue showed prodigious talent from an early age. He represented Worcestershire’s U10 side at the tender age of six and continued to progress through the ranks of the club’s youth system. Alongside his impressive bowling skills, Tongue has also demonstrated his batting prowess, scoring a commendable 150 in the Birmingham League. Unfortunately, his progress was hampered temporarily by a stress fracture of the back, which required surgery in 2016. However, Tongue’s determination and resilience came to the fore once again as he recovered and signed a four-year contract extension with Worcestershire in July 2017.
Despite facing minor setbacks such as a stress fracture in his left foot in 2018, Tongue remains highly regarded as one of the most promising fast bowlers in English cricket. His impressive performances have earned him recognition and praise from fans and critics alike.
Josh Tongue’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite enduring challenging injuries, he has proven time and again that his passion for the game and his unwavering dedication are the driving forces behind his success. As he continues to mature and develop his skills, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in Tongue’s promising career.
