Joshua Charles Tongue was born on 15 November 1997 in Redditch, United Kingdom. He is a right‑arm fast bowler and right‑hand batsman who has represented England in Test cricket and plays his domestic cricket for Nottinghamshire, having begun his professional career with Worcestershire.

After progressing through Worcestershire’s ranks, Tongue moved to Nottinghamshire in 2023 and has since become a regular feature in England’s Test side, noted for his wicket‑taking ability across formats.

Josh Tongue: quick facts

  • Born: 15 November 1997, Redditch
  • Team: England
  • Teams: Worcestershire County Cricket Club

Josh Tongue’s domestic career

Tongue made his first‑class debut for Worcestershire against Oxford MCC University in March 2016 and his List A debut on 5 May 2017 in the Royal London One‑Day Cup. He was affectionately called ‘Jeevy Boy’ by his Worcestershire teammates. In July 2023 he signed a three‑year contract with Nottinghamshire. An injury ruled him out for the entire 2024 county season, but he returned in the opening round of the 2025 County Championship, scoring his maiden first‑class half‑century (55) and claiming 5/66 against Durham. In April 2026 he extended his Nottinghamshire contract by three years, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2029 season.

Josh Tongue’s international career

Tongue was named in England’s Test XI for the one‑off match against Ireland in May 2023 and made his debut on 1 June 2023. He took his maiden Test wicket the following day and finished the innings with figures of 5‑66. After missing the 2024 season, he returned to the England squad in the summer of 2025, playing the one‑off Test against Zimbabwe and three matches of the five‑Test series against India, where he was England’s leading wicket‑taker with 19 wickets, including 5‑125 at The Oval. The ECB awarded him a two‑year multi‑format central contract on 4 November 2025. He was selected for the 2025‑26 Ashes, taking 5‑134 in the third Test at Adelaide, 7‑89 in the fourth Test at Melbourne (earning Player of the Match), and 6‑139 in the final Test at Sydney, finishing the series with 18 wickets. Between December 2025 and October 2026 he played nine Tests, scoring 100 runs in 15 innings (highest 30) and taking 45 wickets (best 5/45), and appeared in one ODI, claiming 3 wickets for 79 runs.

Josh Tongue’s playing style

Tongue bowls right‑arm fast and bats right‑handed. His primary contribution to the side is his ability to take wickets, as shown by multiple five‑wicket hauls in both domestic and international cricket. He combines pace with the skill to generate movement, enabling him to dismiss top‑order batsmen across conditions. His batting, while secondary, has produced a first‑class half‑century, indicating useful lower‑order resilience.

Josh Tongue’s records and achievements

Tongue’s early Test impact included a five‑wicket haul on debut and a further 5‑66 against Ireland. He finished the 2025 India series as England’s top wicket‑taker with 19 dismissals and recorded a best of 5‑125 at The Oval. In the 2025‑26 Ashes he amassed 18 wickets, highlighted by a 7‑89 performance that earned him Player of the Match. His recent international record up to October 2026 comprises 45 Test wickets (best 5/45) and three ODI wickets (best 3/79). The ECB’s two‑year central contract in November 2025 recognises his status as a key fast‑bowling asset for England.

Josh Tongue in internationals, last 12 months

  • Test: 9 matches, 100 runs in 15 innings (highest 30), 45 wickets (best 5/45)
  • ODI: 1 match, 3 wickets (best 3/79)

Josh Tongue: frequently asked questions

When was Josh Tongue born?

Josh Tongue was born on 15 November 1997 in Redditch.

Where is Josh Tongue from?

Josh Tongue was born in Redditch, United Kingdom.

Which teams has Josh Tongue played for?

Josh Tongue plays international cricket for England. Josh Tongue’s other teams include Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

What are Josh Tongue’s international stats in the last 12 months?

From December 2025 to October 2026, Josh Tongue played Test: 9 matches, 100 runs in 15 innings (highest 30), 45 wickets (best 5/45); ODI: 1 match, 3 wickets (best 3/79).