The aftermath of England’s victory in the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne has been a study in selective memory. While some have sought to dismiss the contest as an aberration played on a difficult surface, the result has quietly revealed the possible future of England’s bowling attack.
For much of the match, the cricket was fragmented and challenging to watch. Yet, from that disjointed contest, two bowlers stepped forward to define the outcome: Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. Their combined efforts, securing 12 of England’s 20 wickets, were central to securing the win.
At 28, Josh Tongue is emerging as the de facto leader of this depleted attack. His performance in Melbourne was a masterclass in focused, hostile seam bowling, earning him a memorable five-wicket haul on Boxing Day and the subsequent Player of the Match award. His method is deceptively simple—a straight run-up and full length—but is delivered with a subtle seam position that creates consistent problems for batters. Now with 43 Test wickets at an average of 26, he has proven himself a genuine asset at this level.
Brydon Carse, his partner in the attack, presents a more complex picture. His tour has been a mixture of promise and profligacy, often contributing to pressure before providing the release. In Melbourne, however, his value was unmistakable. He maintained his intensity throughout the series, and his critical interventions on the final day—including a sharp caught-and-bowled and a vital wicket—helped dismantle Australia’s lower order resistance. He embodies the high-risk, high-energy approach that has characterised this England side.
This pairing arrives out of necessity. With a long list of seasoned bowlers absent due to injury or retirement, England’s resources have been stretched to their limit. Tongue and Carse, ranked 29th and 43rd in the world respectively, are the men left standing.
Whether this partnership evolves beyond a short-term solution remains to be seen. Its success may hinge on Carse finding the consistency to match his undeniable threat. But for now, in the wake of a controversial and hard-fought Test, they have provided England with something it desperately needed: a glimpse of a viable path forward with the ball.