Josh Tongue Eyes Enhanced Prowess Under New Pace Bowling Mentor
Young fast bowler Josh Tongue is brimming with optimism about refining his craft under the tutelage of Troy Cooley, a coach renowned for his ability to nurture top-tier pacemen. Cooley, a familiar face in Australian cricket circles and a key figure in England’s triumphant 2005 Ashes campaign, has recently been appointed as England’s national pace bowling lead.
Tongue was one of the few English players to earn accolades despite the team’s heavy 4-1 defeat in the recent Ashes series. Although he was sidelined for the initial two Tests, he made a significant impact in the remaining three, snaring an impressive 18 wickets. His potent combination of raw pace and the ability to consistently hit fuller lengths from an unconventional angle proved a handful for the Australian batsmen. While acknowledging that occasional waywardness still creeps into his bowling, Tongue is confident that Cooley’s expertise will be instrumental in his continued development.
Cooley’s coaching pedigree extends far beyond England. He has previously worked with Australia’s formidable pace attack, including the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, and also spent time with India’s Jasprit Bumrah. The 60-year-old’s new role with England is comprehensive, encompassing not only the senior squad but also the Lions and Young Lions programs. England has also adopted a flexible approach to coaching, occasionally bringing in other specialists on an ad-hoc basis, a strategy that has been in place since 2022 and has seen coaches like James Anderson, Tim Southee, and David Saker take on temporary assignments.
Tongue shared his initial impressions of Cooley following a recent phone conversation. “He’s coached the likes of (Mitchell) Starc, (Josh) Hazlewood, (Pat) Cummins and he was part of India as well,” Tongue remarked. “I had a little chat with him on the phone the other day, I feel like we’re going to get on really well and he’s going to help me get even better than where I am now.”
The conversation also included a touch of lightheartedness, with Cooley initiating the call with a classic Australian jest. “There was a bit of humour in the phone call which was quite funny,” Tongue recounted. “His first line was ‘I’m in Aussie, do you accept the rate (to reverse the charges)?’ And I was like ‘yeah, I accept the rate’. Then we had a little chat about the winter and moving forward.”
Focusing on the Present: Nottinghamshire and Beyond
Tongue’s strong performances in Australia have almost certainly cemented his place in the England squad for the upcoming summer. However, the 28-year-old remains grounded, emphasizing his immediate focus on performing well for Nottinghamshire in the early stages of the season.
Speaking at the club’s media day, Tongue expressed his game-by-game approach. “I just try and think game by game. I want to start well for Notts which is going to put me in good stead for the rest of the season. I’m a very chilled guy if someone says I’m not playing, I take it fine.”
Despite the comprehensive review following the Ashes defeat, head coach Brendon McCullum, affectionately known as ‘Baz’, has retained his position, a decision that Tongue welcomes. “I’ve got a lot of good things to say about Baz,” he stated.
While the Ashes series did not go England’s way, Tongue reflected on his personal experience in Australia with a degree of satisfaction. He has claimed 23 wickets in four Test matches against Australia at an impressive average of 22.3. Notably, he was awarded Player of the Match in England’s sole victory during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. He also enjoyed success against the formidable Steve Smith, dismissing him four times across three encounters.
Tongue articulated the significance of his Ashes debut. “I’ve always wanted to go away on an Ashes (tour) Down Under and to be there for the Boxing Day Test and the New Year’s Test in Sydney as well, it’s what dreams are really made of,” he enthused. “Doing well at the MCG was the icing on the cake. I want to bring those moments more. I want to try and make an impact when I play games for England and try and put us in good positions to win games of cricket.”
