Josh Tongue etched his name into the history books with a standout bowling performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, becoming the first England bowler in the 21st century to take a five-wicket haul in a Test at the iconic venue. Tongue’s achievement ended a long wait for England, with the last such feat dating back to 1998, when Darren Gough and Dean Headley had managed five-fors at the MCG.
Operating with pace, accuracy and relentless discipline on a seamer-friendly surface, Tongue dismantled Australia’s batting lineup and played a central role in bundling the hosts out for a modest total. His spell not only put England firmly on top in the contest but also marked a significant personal milestone in one of cricket’s most challenging arenas.
The five-wicket haul underlined Tongue’s growing impact in Test cricket and added a rare England chapter to the rich Ashes history at the MCG, a venue where visiting fast bowlers have traditionally found success hard to come by.
