Who is Josh Tongue? England's 'X-factor' bowler sparks debate with inclusion in playing XI

England's early XI announcement for the June 20 Headingley Test against India stirred buzz, particularly over Josh Tongue's inclusion in a pace-heavy attack alongside Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse. With Shoaib Bashir as the lone spinner and Jamie Smith behind the stumps, the lineup looked solid.

However, it was Tongue's selection that drew the most scrutiny, especially online. But former England star Stuart Broad described him as an "X-factor" and emphasized the importance of fitness and consistency. Now that the Test has begun, fans are sharing mixed reactions, questioning whether Tongue's inclusion was the right call.

Who is Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue, 27, made his Test debut for England on Nay 31, 2023 against Ireland. In 2024, he endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines, missing the entire season with Nottinghamshire due to injury after his 2023 move from Worcestershire. Though he returned to competitive action with the England Lions in Australia, his outings were underwhelming - going wicketless in both matches in Brisbane and Sydney.

Our newest Test cricketer! 🧢

Congratulations, Josh Tongue 👏#ENGvIRE pic.twitter.com/jOTO6xItzV

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 30, 2023

It wasn't until over two months later that he finally made his Nottinghamshire debut. His long-awaited breakthrough came on the opening day of the 2025 season, when he claimed his first wicket in 590 days - dismissing wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Robinson.

Mixed fan reactions to Josh Tongue's selection

Despite Broad's backing, Tongue's inclusion has divided opinion online. While a few praised his pace, others questioned his readiness for Test cricket.

One fan posted, "So far Josh Tongue not found his length, where he wanted to bowl."

So far Josh Tongue not found his length, where he wanted to bowl.

Not a good sign for England #INDvsENG

— KD Cric Info (@kdcricinfo) June 20, 2025

Another wrote, "Don't really get how Josh Tongue gets into our Test side at the moment TBH. Potts ahead of him...?"

Don't really get how Josh Tongue gets into our Test side at the moment tbh. Potts ahead of him..?

— Jack Mendel (@Mendelpol) June 20, 2025

"Josh Tongue has such a weird runup, looks like he has no idea what he's doing," a user commented.

Josh tongue has such a weird runup, looks like he has no idea what he's doing

— G 🤯 (@G_MaaneGenius) June 20, 2025

Another added, "Josh Tongue looks like a LOL bowler who is forced to play Tests."

Josh Tongue looks like a LOI bowler who is forced to play tests.

— Priyanshu. (@Priyanshu05112) June 20, 2025

Criticism also extended to the overall bowling lineup: "Is this the worst bowling attack England has ever fielded in a test? Woakes only back from injury and 36, Stokes only back from injury and can’t bowl much, Tongue not good enough, Carse has potential but can be expensive. Basir doesn't get in his county team."

Is this the worst bowling attack England has ever fielded in a test? Woakes only back from injury and 36, Stokes only back from injury and can’t bowl much, Tongue not good enough, Carse has potential but can be expensive. Basir doesn’t get in his county team…. #ENGvIND

— Josh Jones (@TestMatchJosh) June 20, 2025

Still, a few remained optimistic: "Great to see Josh Tongue cracking up at good speeds."

Great to see Josh tongue cracking up at good speeds

— . (@Jose_cric) June 20, 2025

England vs India – Playing XIs

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir

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