England’s Melbourne Test hero Josh Tongue has revealed he was thinking about quitting cricket after injuries hampered his international career. Tongue made his England debut in 2023 and has only played eight Tests so far. The 28-year-old suffered from thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that results from compression of nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib, leading to pain, numbness and tingling in the arm, hand or fingers.
Tongue tore his right pectoral muscle in 2023 and then tore his hamstring before returning to full fitness this year before returning to England. After his Player Of The Match performance in 4th Ashes Test 2025 vs Australiathe pacer revealed that he is happy to have stuck with cricket despite being in a tough spot with his body.
Tongue said he was happy to play for England after working hard behind the scenes.
“I’m 100% happy to stay with the sport,” said Tongue. “I was in a tough situation with my body and stuff.
“I was potentially retiring but I’m glad I put in the hard work to get back into playing cricket and now play for England. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
‘THE THING OF A DREAM’
Tongue’s incredible spell in the first innings saw him take five wickets for just 45 runs as England bundled out Australia for 152 runs. Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja got the pace in the second innings as the Australians were dismissed for 132 runs. England were chasing a target of 175 runs with four wickets remaining to end their ashes on Australian soil.
Tongue said he had a few nerves ahead of the Boxing Day Test but feels happy to have his name on the honors board at the MCG.
“This is what dreams are made of,” Tongue said after being named player of the match.
“Obviously there were a few nerves when I woke up on Boxing Day. But to get the ‘fifer’ and get your name on the honors board, it’s a really special feeling.”
The final Test of the Ashes series will be held at the SCG from 4 January 2026.
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Published on:
December 27, 2025
