Josh Tongue: The Unlikely Journey from Botox to England's Bowling Aspirations
In a candid interview, Josh Tongue, the 28-year-old Nottinghamshire and England paceman, opens up about the unconventional medical treatment that saved his career and his ambitions to become England's premier opening bowler. With a refreshing honesty, Tongue reflects on his highs and lows, including his memorable Ashes performances and his battles with injury.
A Name to Remember: Pronunciation and Perspective
"It's Tongue as in T-U-N-G, not Tongue like T-O-N-G!" Tongue laughs as he corrects the common mispronunciation of his surname, a topic he addresses with good humour despite his imposing 6ft 4in frame and 90mph bowling speed. He emphasises that as long as he's taking wickets, commentators can call him what they like, even referencing the playful taunts from Australian fans during the Ashes series.
His laid-back attitude extends to team selection, where he remains "pretty chilled" and appreciative of being in the squad, focusing on the experience gained rather than any frustration at not playing. This perspective is shaped by a career marked by significant challenges, including a near-retirement due to injury.
Career-Saving Botox and Injury Battles
In 2022, Tongue faced thoracic outlet syndrome, a painful condition that compressed nerves and blood vessels, leading him to contemplate early retirement. "It was just a horrible time," he recalls, describing how close he came to filling out insurance forms with the Professional Cricketers' Association. A specialist suggested Botox injections as a last resort to relax the muscles, and within weeks, Tongue was back bowling. Six months later, he made his Test debut for England, a turnaround he describes with disbelief.
Further injuries, including a ruptured pectoral and torn hamstring, sidelined him for the entire 2024 season with Nottinghamshire. However, support from coaches like Peter Moores and Brendon McCullum has bolstered his confidence. "They make you feel 10 feet tall," Tongue says, highlighting their role in his recovery and mental resilience.
Ashes Highlights and Dreaming Big
Tongue's Ashes campaign was a standout, with 18 wickets in three Tests, including a five-wicket haul at the MCG in front of a record crowd and his family. "That was the stuff dreams are made of," he says, recalling childhood games with his brother pretending to play Ashes Tests. Named player of the match in Melbourne, he became the first England quick to earn that accolade in an Australian Test since 1998.
Despite being used as first change during the Ashes, where his skill with an older ball earned him the nickname "the mop" for cleaning up tailenders, Tongue has his sights set higher. "My dream is to be England's opening bowler," he asserts, aiming to elevate his Test career to new heights.
Steve Smith and Moving Forward
Tongue has developed a notable record against Steve Smith, dismissing the Australian batting great five times in seven first-class innings. "It's amazing," he admits, though he downplays it with humility, noting Smith's overall success. The pair shared a beer post-series, with Tongue preferring to keep cricket talk off the field.
Recently, Tongue was involved in an off-field incident in Wellington, where Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer, but the cricket regulator took no further action against him. "Things have happened and I've learned from them," Tongue says, focusing on moving forward and playing cricket to make fans happy.
As the domestic season begins, Tongue is "raring to go" after building up his bowling loads post-T20 World Cup. With a pivotal summer ahead, he remains grounded yet ambitious, ready to let his performances do the talking, regardless of how his name is pronounced.
