Trisha Ghosal in London
Despite a punishing day in the field, England pacer Josh Tongue fronted up to the media after delivering one of the grittiest spells of the day. With the ball not doing as much and the pitch easing out, Tongue reflected on the team’s effort, the toll of back-to-back spells, and the challenge of chasing 374 with the series on the line.
A Three-Man Attack and Tongue in Cheek
England are down to three frontline bowlers, but Tongue insisted the team were still up for the fight, even if it meant getting desperate. “Not sure anyone’s hiding in the dressing room,” he laughed. “But even if someone had just one arm working, we’d probably ask them to bowl!”
The fifth Test at The Oval exposed England’s thin bowling resources. With only three seamers fit and available, Tongue admitted the workload had been heavy. “It was a big workload, definitely,” he said. “But I thought the lads stuck at it really well, especially given the way the pitch flattened out.”
Belief in Another Headingley Miracle?
Despite the target soaring, Tongue revealed that the dressing room hasn’t lost belief. “Some of the boys were part of that Headingley [Edgbaston, actually, in 2022] chase against India three years ago, so there’s belief. We’ve done it before. We’ll keep backing ourselves.”
Learning Curve and Breakthrough Spell
On his own development across the series, the Worcestershire pacer was measured. “Every game has brought something different. You’re always trying to improve, and this series has helped me do that massively.”
Tongue also reflected on his rollercoaster spell on Thursday. “That first over was tough, but getting that first wicket helped me settle. The rhythm kicked in and I just felt I was in a good place.”
Surface Talk and Nightwatcher Frustration
As for the pitch, he admitted it had eased out. “There’s still a bit there, but you’ve got to be really disciplined.”
He also credited nightwatcher Akash Deep for frustrating England. “It’s happened to me before. You just try to bowl your best ball for as long as you can. But credit to him, he got a few away.”
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