For Josh Tongue, a place in England’s Ashes squad in Australia represents a pinnacle he once feared his body would never let him reach. The fast bowler, who turns 28 this weekend, approaches the iconic series with a perspective forged through long, arduous battles with injury and self-doubt, now replaced by a quiet, unshakeable conviction.
Reflecting on his initial call-up in 2023, Tongue describes the sheer disbelief of finding himself among the national set-up. “Just being around this group, in an Ashes squad, felt like an incredible accomplishment,” he says. The upcoming challenge of facing Australia on their home soil is the culmination of that journey. “I just can’t wait for the next couple of months,” he adds, the anticipation palpable.
His inclusion, and the subsequent award of a coveted two-year central contract from the ECB, signals significant faith in his red-ball future. It’s a show of confidence in a bowler whose Test career, though brief, has demonstrated a potent ability to change games.
That faith has been hard-won. Tongue’s path was nearly derailed by a serious shoulder injury—thoracic outlet syndrome—that sidelined him for over 18 months and brought him to the brink of retirement. He admits to exploring other career options, unsure if he would ever bowl again. Yet, he now views that ordeal as foundational. “That first big injury prepped me well,” he states, framing his recoveries not as evidence of fragility, but as demonstrations of resilience.
This mental fortitude was tested in the spotlight this past summer. During a Test at The Oval, a costly over saw him spray two alarming wides down the leg side. In that moment, the introvert who describes himself as a “chilled guy” off the field confronted the performer within. “I just looked around and thought, ‘You’re playing in front of thousands. Enjoy the moment,'” he recalls. By returning to his fundamental strength—hitting the pitch hard—he promptly claimed two crucial wickets, showcasing a match-turning mentality.
He credits the environment fostered by coach Brendon McCullum for helping harness this duality. “He’s very good at reminding you of the good stuff, making you feel good within yourself,” Tongue explains. The coach’s philosophy of playing without fear has been liberating, allowing Tongue to trust the processes that brought him to this level.
Now, with shoulder, pec, and hamstring issues in the past, Tongue joins a remarkably fit cohort of England quicks preparing for Australia. He speaks enthusiastically about the collective drive among Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and others, emphasising a squad ethos where individual success is a shared celebration.
As the departure for Perth nears, Tongue allows himself to reflect on the scale of the opportunity. Growing up idolising Ashes heroes like Andrew Flintoff, the chance to be part of the tour, regardless of how many Tests he plays, is its own reward. “Just to be involved in the Ashes is incredible,” he says, a sentiment that underscores a career revived through perseverance and a newfound voice expressed most powerfully through the ball itself.