Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has heaped praise on Josh Tongue after the fast bowler’s performance in the Melbourne Test, which earned him the Player Of The Match award. He recalled his county stint and said how he knew Tongue from 2017 and saw him struggle with injuries at the time. He also mentioned on his channel about Brydon Carse, who picked up four wickets in the second innings.
“I remember when I played county cricket in 2017 in Worcestershire, Josh Tongue had stress fracture issues. He is able to produce those wicket-taking balls. Brydon Carse is a bit of an enforcer. If they are able to hold their lines for longer periods of time, they can create a good team. Also, the batting must have a bit of a thought. England can’t get themselves ahead and leave the game behind,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“For instance, how Harry Brook bottled the game against India. In Perth, there was a small passage of play. They go for that brute force without any thought process. England have an upside if they can correct their bowling. They need to start producing a spinner from somewhere to hold an end up,” he added.
Tongue, who had ruptured his right pectoral muscle in 2023 followed by a hamstring injury, has shared how he almost had ‘retired’.
“I was in a tough situation with my body, potentially retiring. I’m glad I put in the hard work to get myself back playing cricket and now playing for England. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” Tongue said post the match.
“It’s what dreams are made of. Obviously waking up on Boxing Day, a few nerves but yeah, to get a fifer and get my name on the honours board, it’s a very special feeling . It was with 95,000 people yesterday. The Barmy Army have been unbelievable these past four games and especially here as well, in front of 95,000 people, it’s amazing being in the moment for them,” Tongue added.
