Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue is a tall and aggressive right-arm fast bowler who has made a strong impression in England’s Test setup with his pace, bounce, and natural seam movement. Coming through Worcestershire’s ranks, Tongue made his first-class debut in 2016 and quickly became one of the county’s strike bowlers. His breakout season came in 2017 when he took 47 wickets and helped Worcestershire earn promotion, showcasing his ability to bowl long spells and trouble top-order batters consistently.

He made his England Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in June 2023 and made an immediate impact by claiming a five-wicket haul on debut. His ability to bowl at high speeds—consistently in the upper 80s mph range—combined with his height and bounce, added a fresh dimension to England’s fast-bowling attack. He also featured in the 2023 Ashes, picking up key wickets before injuries halted his progress. A series of shoulder and pectoral issues kept him sidelined through much of 2024, delaying his push for a permanent Test spot.

Tongue returned to form in 2025 with a move to Nottinghamshire, immediately making headlines with a five-wicket haul and a maiden half-century with the bat. He was recalled to the England squad for the India and Zimbabwe series, joining a new generation of pacers like Brydon Carse and Sam Cook. With his combination of speed, bounce, and grit, Tongue is seen as a long-term asset for England, especially in the post-Anderson and Broad era, offering the kind of firepower needed in both home and overseas conditions.