Josh

Tongue

Josh Tongue Biography and Career

Ever faced a cricket ball bouncing from six feet four inches high at rapid speed? Josh Tongue, England’s newest fast bowler, gives batters exactly this experience. Receiving his Test call-up in 2023, Josh instantly impressed cricket fans worldwide. His tall frame and sharp bounce make him one of the toughest bowlers to face. Already making waves with England, he is quickly becoming the team's go-to tall pacer in Test cricket.

Josh Tongue began cricket like most youngsters – playing in his backyard, dreaming big. Growing taller than his friends, cricket became a natural choice for him. His height gave him an advantage, helping him bowl faster with plenty of bounce.

He soon joined Worcestershire, quickly becoming a regular in their lineup. Coaches noticed his talent, helping his dream grow from weekend cricket to professional stadium matches. Josh's early success showed clearly – height and pace made him stand out among cricket hopefuls, paving his way to the big stage.

Josh Tongue bowls Right-Arm Fast-Medium, known best as a bounce specialist. Standing six feet four inches tall, he naturally releases the ball higher, helping it bounce steeply and trouble batsmen.

Opposing players find it hard to judge his bounce and pace. In recent Test matches against Australia, he regularly troubled top-order batters. Cricket fans say, "He's got bounce that batsmen fear the most," and matches prove it – his height and aggressive bowling regularly help England challenge strong oppositions.

June 2023 marked Josh Tongue's special day, as he walked out in his England Test bowler whites against Ireland at Lord's. Debut matches can pressure even the bravest cricketers, but Josh thrived, proving selectors right from ball one. He took five wickets in that match, quickly becoming the talk of cricketing circles. His smiling face celebrating alongside teammates showed his pride, passion, and happiness – a debut to remember for England’s rising bowling star.

Injuries can be heartbreaking for sportspeople, and Josh faced one himself. Tongue has a history of injuries, including thoracic outlet syndrome, which previously sidelined him for 15 months. This condition involves compression of nerves or blood vessels between the neck and shoulder, causing pain and numbness. Doctors worried he might never bowl at top speed again. Josh found himself facing a long, difficult path. Frustration and worries about the cricket journey he loved hit him hard.

Josh Tongue refused to give up, using determination to come back stronger. Supported by his family, teammates, and Worcestershire coaches, he tackled rehab bravely. Regular fitness training, strengthening exercises, and proper rest filled his days. He returned in 2025 in a match against Zimbabwe, bowling faster and stronger. His comeback inspired young cricketers across England, showing that hard work pays off.

Josh's cricket is not just about bounce and speed; it's about handling pressure and staying calm under difficult match situations. During England's tough Test matches against international teams, Josh bowls with confidence, never allowing nerves to affect him.

When games become tense, teammates praise Josh for being relaxed, even when faced with tough challenges. His calm strength under pressure regularly helps his team perform better and inspires younger players to keep cool heads on the field.

Beyond Cricket

When Josh Tongue is not playing cricket, he cherishes a simple life rooted in family. Born into a supportive Worcestershire family, Josh grew up with a father who coached cricket, guiding him and his brother, Ryan, toward their dreams of becoming cricketers. The brothers, both playing for Worcestershire, spent their childhood practising together, building a strong bond through the sport. 
Outside of cricket, Josh keeps things private, reflecting his down-to-earth nature. His Instagram account, with over 12.6k followers, is private, showing he prefers to keep personal moments away from the public eye. With only 35 posts, Josh shares little about his life, focusing instead on close connections with family and friends. This quiet, family-oriented lifestyle highlights the grounded personality of a cricketer dedicated to both his sport and loved ones.