England fast bowler Josh Tongue opened up about his retirement after the team’s win over Australia in the fourth Test of the Ashes 2025-26. Tongue admitted that there was a time when his body let him down so badly that retirement felt like a real possibility, but he decided to keep pushing through the setbacks.
England secured a four-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, December 27. The visiting team secured their first Test win after losing three consecutive matches. Josh Tongue was named Player of the Match after playing a key role in England’s victory.
It’s A Very Special Feeling – Josh Tongue
Josh Tongue produced a match-winning performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, finishing with seven wickets across the Test. He starred in the first innings with figures of 5 for 45 and followed it up with 2 for 44 in the second.
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After the game, Tongue said the achievement felt like a dream, especially taking a five-wicket haul on Boxing Day and earning a place on the honours board. He also praised the energy of the large crowd and the Barmy Army.
“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,” he said.
“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.
I Was In a Tough Situation With My Body – Josh Tongue
Josh Tongue also spoke about the difficult phase of his career. He stated that his body was letting him down at the time, but he stayed committed to his recovery and put in the hard work to return to fitness. That determination has paid off, as he is now back playing for England.
“100%. I was in a tough situation with my body and stuff (on his past injuries). I was potentially retiring, but I’m glad that I put in the hard work to get myself back playing cricket. And now playing for England, it’s all that I’ve always wanted to do,” Tongue noted.
I Can’t Be Happy Enough – Josh Tongue
Tongue said that the pitch suited the bowlers and that the entire unit worked together by adjusting lengths and applying pressure throughout the match. He added that collective discipline and execution were key to England’s dominance. The pacer said that he will cherish the win for a long time.
“I’d say all of them, I think (on his favourite wicket). Obviously, coming to the ground on the first day, we knew it was going to be great. It suits us. And how we all bowled out there, making sure we broke our lengths. I thought all of our bowlers did exceptionally well,” he said.
“To be part of a Test match-winning team as well, here at the MCG. 100% (if he was ready to bat in the second innings). To win here at the MCG, Boxing Day Test, I can’t be happy enough.”
Also read: Harry Brook seals England’s first Test win in Australia after 5,468 days with a boundary at MCG
