CRICKET
Josh Tongue: I want to be England’s man for all formats
The pace bowler came close to retirement at 24 because of a persistent injury — 18 months on he is a central part of England’s plans for the future
Tongue made his England debut in the summer against Ireland before making his Ashes bow in the Lord’s Test
MIKE EGERTON/PA
From an injury that almost ended his career to an Ashes debut and lucrative central contract, Josh Tongue is a perfect example of how quickly a cricketer’s fortunes can transform.
Eighteen months ago the fast bowler feared that he’d have to give up on the game aged 24 because of recurring, persistent shoulder pain. But an innovative solution of injecting Botox into his neck seemed to solve the issue and his surge into the international arena began with a Lions trip to Sri Lanka last winter.
This was followed by a Test debut against Ireland and an Ashes bow in a very eventful Lord’s Test, during which he impressed, taking five wickets.
Now 26, Tongue is, as England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key,
