England fast bowler Josh Tongue spoke openly about his retirement after the team’s victory over Australia in the fourth Test of The Ashes 2025-26. Tung admitted that there was a time when his body failed him so badly that retirement felt like a real possibility, but he decided to press on despite the setbacks.
England registered a four-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, December 27. The visiting team achieved its first Test win after losing three consecutive matches. Josh Tongue was named player of the match for playing a key role in England’s victory.
It’s a very special feeling – Josh Tang
Josh Tongue produced a match-winning performance by taking seven wickets in the entire Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He took 5 wickets for 45 runs in the first innings and 2 wickets for 44 runs in the second innings.
After the game, Tanguay said the achievement felt like a dream, especially taking five wickets on Boxing Day and making the honors board. He also appreciated the huge crowd and the energy of Barmy Army.
“This is what dreams are made of. Obviously waking up on Boxing Day, there’s some nerves, but yeah, getting the Pfeiffer and getting your name on the honors board, it’s a very special feeling,” he said.
“It was yesterday with 95,000 people. The Barmy Army have been incredible over the last four games and especially here too, in front of 95,000 people, for them to be in the moment is amazing,” Tung said.
I was in a tough spot with my body – Josh Tang
Josh Tongue also told about the difficult phase of his career. He said that his body was failing him at the time, but he remained committed to his recovery and worked hard to regain fitness. His determination paid off, as he is now back playing for England.
,100%. I was in a tough situation with my body and stuff (due to his previous injuries). I was potentially retiring, but I’m glad I pushed myself hard to play cricket again. And now playing for England, it’s all I ever wanted to do,” Tongue noted.
I Can’t Be Happy Enough – Josh Tang
Tanguay said the pitch suited the bowlers and the entire unit worked together by adjusting lengths and applying pressure throughout the match. He said that collective discipline and execution were the keys to England’s dominance. The fast bowler said that he will remember this victory for a long time.
,I would say all of them, I think (on their favorite wicket). Obviously, coming out on the field the first day, we knew it was going to be great. This suits us. And how we all bowled there, making sure we broke our lengths. I think all our bowlers performed very well,” He said.
“To also be a part of a team that wins a Test match here at the MCG. 100% (If he was ready to bat in the second innings). To win here at the MCG, in the Boxing Day Test, I couldn’t be happier.”
Also read: Harry Brook hits four at MCG to seal England’s first Test win in Australia after 5,468 days
