Five years ago Josh Tongue was considering an early end to his cricket profession but he’s now only one step away from fulfilling his ambition of becoming England’s all-format “impact bowler”.
A highly-rated youth pace prospect, Tongue was forced to contemplate a premature move into coaching after a shoulder grievance generally known as thoracic outlet syndrome forced him out of the sport for 15 months in his mid-20s.
A ruptured pectoral in the summertime of 2023 put him back on the shelf a matter of weeks after he battled back to earn a spot within the Test team, and a torn hamstring meant he missed your complete season in 2024.
But as England begin to construct towards their next chapter, Tongue, now 28, has emerged as a cornerstone of their attack.
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Lost time
He’s inked into the Test XI after out-performing the pack in last winter’s Ashes defeat, made his T20 debut in Saturday’s victory over India at Emirates Old Trafford and will add a primary ODI cap later this month after winning a call-up for the 50-over series.
Tongue’s injury history may need tempted the management right into a more cautious workload, however the Nottinghamshire quick is relishing the possibility to make up for lost time.
“I need to be a huge impact bowler in every format, in Tests, T20s and 50 overs as well,” he said.
“Obviously I struggled with injuries just a few years back, but that’s a part of being a quick bowler. I’ve at all times desired to play three formats for England.
“With the injuries I had just a few years ago, not knowing if I used to be still going to be playing cricket, I put a variety of exertions in on the gym, running as well.”
PICTURE: Bruce Rollinson/PA
Gloomy days
He added: “There have been some gloomy days within the gym, where you are feeling the partitions are getting closer and closer, but that’s the exertions it’s essential put in to make sure that you may stay out on the park and keep representing England.
“I need to play as many games as I can since it’s a privilege.
“Test cricket may be very demanding, I’ve learnt that over the previous couple of years. It’s about knowing your personal body inside-out and knowing you’ve got the support to remain as fit as you may.
“The science and medical team are at all times asking how I’m and we go from there.”
Tongue will take his place in an unchanged England XI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, with the hosts 1-0 up with three to play within the Vitality Series.
PICTURE: Robbie Stephenson/PA
Duel
Meaning a probability to renew his new-ball duel with 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Tongue beat the schoolboy sensation together with his first two balls because the pair crossed paths on their respective debuts, before being clattered for six because the teenager showed off his remarkable ball-striking ability.
“I’ve watched him on the IPL and he’s an incredible player, an exciting talent,” he said. “He got hold of me for that six, which was obviously a pleasant shot, but I attempt to focus as much as I can on myself.”
India’s power-packed top three of Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan will probably be licking their lips in Nottingham, where short boundaries and true pitches have made for giant totals previously.
But to square the series they’ll must outmatch an England side who chased down 191 with an over to spare in Manchester, as Jacob Bethell’s 76 not out carried them home.
READ MORE: Jacob Bethell brilliance gives England 1-0 lead over India
