England achieved a historic victory in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG on Saturday, December 27th. It was their first victory on Australian soil after 15 years. Young right-arm fast bowler Josh Tongue was the hero of England’s victory. He took seven wickets in the match, including a wicket in the first innings and two in the second. The Australian batsmen struggled against Josh Tongue’s sharp bowling, helping England achieve a memorable victory.
Josh Tongue turned into a hero for the England cricket team
The last two years have been difficult for Josh Tongue, the hero of England’s historic victory. Constantly battling illness and injury, Tongue even considered retiring from cricket. However, he refused to give up and, after recovering from illness and injury, led England to a historic victory.Josh Tongue made his Test debut in 2023. He played his first match against Ireland. He then participated in the Ashes Test at home against Australia. After this, he was away from the game.
📌 Also Read: 'I was in shock...', Pitch curator made shocking claim as England defeated Australia
Josh Tongue first suffered from thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition in which blood vessels in the neck and shoulder become compressed. Then, a muscle under his right rib was torn. After some time, he suffered a hamstring strain. Due to illness and injuries, he was out of the team for a long time after the 2023 Ashes series. He was able to regain full fitness only in early 2025.
Regarding playing in the Boxing Day Test, Tongue said, “It’s like a dream. I was nervous when I woke up on Boxing Day. But taking five wickets and getting my name on the honours board is quite special.”
📌 Also Read: IND vs NZ ODI: Along with Rishabh Pant, 2 more players can be dropped!
Tongue had considered retirement while battling various injuries before returning to cricket in 2025. After the Melbourne Test win, he said, “I’m glad I stayed involved. I was in a bad state physically. I was on the verge of retirement, but I’m glad I worked hard to get back into cricket and now I’m playing for England. This is what I always wanted to do.”
In the Melbourne Test, Australia scored 152 runs in the first innings, and in response, England were bundled out for 110. Australia, which began with a 42-run lead, could only add 132 runs against England’s sharp bowling, setting a target of 175, which England achieved on the second day of the match, losing only 6 wickets.