England clinched a significant four-wicket victory over Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), injecting a dose of much-needed positivity into their Ashes campaign. Even though Australia had already secured the series 3-1, this win at a historic venue provided a powerful statement.
Josh Tongue was the standout performer, earning Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with the ball. He ripped through the Australian batting lineup with figures of 5/45 in the first innings and followed up with 2/44 in the second, taking a total of seven wickets. “To get a fifer and get my name on the honours board, it’s a very special feeling,” Tongue expressed, describing the moment as a dream come true. He was deeply impressed by the roaring crowd of 95,000 and the vocal Barmy Army, acknowledging their role in the exhilarating atmosphere.
Tongue also opened up about his journey back from injury, revealing how close he was to quitting the sport altogether. “I was potentially retiring,” he admitted, speaking about the physical struggles he endured. “But I’m glad that I put in the hard work to get myself back playing cricket and now playing for England, it’s all that I’ve always wanted to do.” He attributed the bowling unit’s effectiveness to the conditions at the MCG and the team’s collective bowling efforts. The thrill of being on the winning side in a Test match at the iconic MCG, he emphasized, was an unparalleled experience.