If you’re searching for everything about Josh Tongue, England’s rising Test bowler, you’re in the right place.Josh Tongue is a professional England cricketer who made headlines with his impressive Test debut and quick wickets. Known for his height, pace, and bounce, he is fast becoming a key part of England’s Test squad. Whether you’re a new cricket fan or a seasoned follower of English cricket, this guide will help you explore Josh Tongue’s biography, full stats, career milestones, 2026 form, and latest news in one smooth read.
Let’s dive into his story, achievements, and why the cricket world is buzzing about this tall right-arm fast bowler.
Josh Tongue Full Profile – England Cricketer (2026)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Charles Tongue |
| Known As | Josh Tongue |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Country | England |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1997 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 28 (born 15 November 1997) |
| Birthplace | Redditch, Worcestershire, England. |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium. |
| Primary Role | Bowler |
| Test Debut | 1 June 2023 vs Ireland at Lord’s. |
| Test Cap Number | 711 |
| Domestic Teams | Worcestershire (2016–2023), Nottinghamshire (2024–present). |
| Major Achievements | 70 Test wickets at 26.47; a five-wicket haul on Test debut; England’s leading wicket-taker against India in 2025 with 19; 18 wickets in the 2025–26 Ashes including a player-of-the-match performance at Melbourne. |
| Bowling Speed | Averages 135–140 km/h. |
| Best Test Bowling | 5/66 vs Ireland, 2023 |
| First-Class Matches | 57 |
| First-Class Wickets | 203 |
| First-Class Best Bowling | 6/97 |
| List A Matches | 15 |
| List A Wickets | 18 |
| T20 Matches | Limited appearances. |
| England Test Matches | 5 (as of June 2025) |
| England Test Wickets | 19 |
| Current Team (2026) | England Test side and Nottinghamshire. |
| Recent Highlight | 3 wickets in 4 balls vs India, 2025. |
| Injury History | Shoulder and pectoral injury (2022–23), successful comeback in 2025. |
| Player Traits | Generates bounce, high-arm action, tall build, late seam movement. |
| ICC Test Ranking | Not in top 10 (but rising; considered a future asset for red-ball cricket). |
| Coach & Mentor | Trained under Worcestershire & Nottinghamshire coaching systems. |
Disclaimer: The information provided in the above table is based on reliable and official sources including the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and verified news outlets as of July 2025. Career stats may change with time. Please refer to official cricket databases or the ECB website for real-time updates.
India Vs Pakistan Cricket Matches Timeline.
Josh Tongue Biography – Early Life & Background
From Worcestershire to England Glory
Josh Tongue was born on 15 November 1997 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, his tall frame and natural athleticism were obvious from a young age. Cricket was always part of his upbringing, and Worcestershire quickly became his first professional home.
- Full Name: Joshua Charles Tongue
- Birthplace: Redditch, Worcestershire, England.
- Height: 6′4″
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium.
- Role: Bowler
He joined Worcestershire’s youth system, steadily making his way through the ranks before debuting in the senior team. His story isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about hard work, injuries, setbacks, and a powerful comeback.
Josh Tongue Domestic Career – From Debut to Stardom
Making Waves in County Cricket
Josh made his first-class debut for Worcestershire in March 2016 against Oxford MCCU. But it was the 2017 County Championship season that really marked his arrival—he took 47 wickets and helped Worcestershire gain promotion to Division One. At just 19, he was already grabbing the spotlight.
His journey through the County Championship was full of learning moments. He honed his skills, improved his line and length, and became known for generating bounce on flat tracks—rare for English pitches.
In 2024, he made a surprising but strategic move by signing a three-year contract with Nottinghamshire, switching from his long-time club Worcestershire. The move paid off. He took a 5-wicket haul and even scored his first half-century for Nottinghamshire in April 2025.
Josh Tongue Test Debut – A Dream Start
Lord’s, Ireland, and Five Wickets of Glory
Josh Tongue made his Test debut for England on 1 June 2023 at Lord’s against Ireland. It was a magical moment. Not only did he earn Test cap #711, but he also picked up a 5-wicket haul (5/66) in the first innings. It was a dream start for any bowler.
He bowled with rhythm, pace, and accuracy, unsettling the Irish batters and giving England early breakthroughs. Fans were thrilled to see a tall, right-arm fast bowler making such an impact in his very first Test.
Josh Tongue Career Stats – Test, First-Class & More
Numbers That Matter
Here’s a quick look at Josh Tongue’s career statistics as of mid-2025:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 5 | 19 | 5/66 | 1 | 28.21 |
| First-Class | 57 | 203 | 6/97 | 6 | 26.30 |
| List A | 15 | 18 | 4/36 | 0 | 30.55 |
His ability to take wickets consistently while maintaining control is one of the key reasons he’s being closely watched by selectors and analysts alike.
Josh Tongue Bowling Style – Height, Speed & Bounce
The Art of Bowling Tall
Josh Tongue’s bowling style is what sets him apart. He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who uses his height to extract extra bounce-even from slow pitches.
Key elements of his bowling:
- High-arm action.
- Late movement off the seam.
- Consistent line and length.
- Ability to bowl long spells.
- Speeds touching 135-140 km/h.
His style is particularly effective in Test matches, where patience and bounce are crucial. He’s also proven to be effective on overseas tours, adapting quickly to different conditions.
Josh Tongue 2025 – Latest News & Form
What’s New With Josh Tongue This Year?
The 2025 cricket season has been important for Josh Tongue. After returning from a long injury layoff, he has made a strong comeback both domestically and internationally. His 5/66 spell for Nottinghamshire reminded fans of his raw ability.
He also featured in the England vs India Test series, where he took three wickets in four balls in a dramatic spell—turning heads in the cricket world once again. His return to the England Test squad seems permanent now.
If you’re following Josh Tongue latest news, you’ll see he’s firmly part of England’s future bowling plans.
Josh Tongue Test Matches & England Squad Role
Becoming a Core Member of England’s Red-Ball Plans
Josh has now played multiple Test matches for England, especially after his debut in 2023. He’s slowly solidifying his place in the England Test squad as one of the most promising fast bowlers.
He’s often compared to great English pacers due to:
- His build
- Control over swing and seam.
- Match awareness
- Ability to bowl to left-handers effectively.
With senior pacers aging and workload management becoming a priority, Josh Tongue is likely to become a regular in the England Test team for the next 5–8 years.
Josh Tongue Injury Comeback – Fighting Through Setbacks
Overcoming Pain to Play Again
Josh Tongue’s journey hasn’t been smooth. In 2022–23, he suffered a serious shoulder injury, followed by pectoral issues. The injuries were so bad, he even considered early retirement.
But he didn’t give up.
He underwent surgery, spent months in rehab, and trained hard to make his comeback. That mental toughness now reflects in his bowling—there’s more control, hunger, and discipline. The Josh Tongue injury comeback is one of the most inspiring stories in recent English cricket.
Josh Tongue Ashes Performance – Rising in Big Moments
Making an Impact When It Matters Most
In the 2023 Ashes series, Josh was called into the squad and didn’t disappoint. While he didn’t play all matches, he grabbed key wickets—including the prized scalp of David Warner.
His Ashes spell showed:
- He can handle pressure.
- He can perform against top teams.
- He deserves more opportunities in big tours.
This experience added weight to his selection in the 2025 season and built his confidence for the future.
Josh Tongue Cricket Journey – Beyond the Numbers
The Story Behind the Stats
Josh Tongue isn’t just another England cricketer. His story stands out:
- He came up through a small county club.
- Fought through injuries and setbacks.
- Earned his way back with hard work and skill.
- Performed on debut and became a wicket-taking machine.
Whether you’re watching him bowl in a domestic match or on TV during a Test series, it’s clear that Josh Tongue is one of the most exciting cricket players to watch in 2025.
“Josh Tongue isn’t just a fast bowler-he’s a symbol of resilience, rising through pain, pressure, and passion to become one of England’s brightest Test hopes.”
Josh Tongue in 2025 and the 2025–26 Ashes
Tongue has gone from a bowler defined by injury comebacks to one of England’s leading Test wicket-takers. He now has 70 Test wickets at 26.47 from 14 matches.
He was England’s leading wicket-taker in the 2025 home series against India, taking 19 wickets across three Tests.
He followed that with a substantial Ashes campaign in 2025–26, taking 5 for 134 in the third Test, 7 for 89 in the fourth at Melbourne, where he was named player of the match, and 6 for 139 in the fifth. He finished the series with 18 wickets.
His limited-overs international record remains short: two one-day internationals and four T20 internationals, in which he has taken seven wickets at 23.28 with a best of 4 for 28.
Conclusion: Why Josh Tongue Deserves the Hype
Josh Tongue’s story is a mix of talent, resilience, and performance. From his early days in Worcestershire to becoming a key England fast bowler, he’s earned every bit of recognition. His Test debut, consistent bowling, ability to take wickets, and 2026 form make him a serious contender for long-term success.
He is a symbol of England’s next-gen bowling attack—tall, fast, fearless, and focused.
FAQs About Josh Tongue
1. Who is Josh Tongue?
Josh Tongue is an England fast bowler who made his Test debut in 2023 and is known for his height, pace, and bounce.
2. What is Josh Tongue’s bowling style?
He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who relies on high-arm action, bounce, and seam movement.
3. When did Josh Tongue make his Test debut?
He debuted on 1 June 2023 against Ireland at Lord’s.
4. How many Test wickets does Josh Tongue have?
As of mid-2026, he has 19 Test wickets in 5 matches.
5. What is Josh Tongue’s height?
He is 6 feet 4 inches tall.
6. Which county teams has Josh Tongue played for?
He played for Worcestershire and later signed with Nottinghamshire in 2024.
7. Did Josh Tongue play in the Ashes?
Yes, he featured in the 2023 Ashes series and took key wickets.
8. What makes Josh Tongue a rising star in England cricket?
His consistent performance, mental strength, and ability to take wickets in pressure situations make him stand out.
9. How did Josh Tongue perform in the 2025–26 Ashes?
He took 18 wickets in the series, including 7 for 89 in the fourth Test at Melbourne, where he was named player of the match, plus 5 for 134 and 6 for 139 in the third and fifth Tests.
10. Which county does Josh Tongue play for?
Nottinghamshire, whom he joined in 2024 after eight years with Worcestershire.
