'I was potentially retiring ... ': Josh Tongue breaks silence after England's MCG win

NEW DELHI: England rediscovered their rhythm in the Ashes with a stirring four-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). While the Ashes urn had already been settled, the victory offered England a timely lift in confidence, even as Australia continued to hold a 3-1 lead in the series. Fast bowler Josh Tongue was the standout across the two days, earning the Player of the Match award for his decisive impact with the ball.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Tongue set the tone with a superb first-innings spell, returning figures of 5/45, before backing it up with 2/44 in the second innings to finish with seven wickets in the match. His performance proved pivotal on a lively surface that kept both batters and bowlers constantly in the contest. Speaking after the game, Tongue admitted the moment was one he had long dreamed of."It's what dreams are made of. Obviously waking up on Boxing Day, a few nerves but yeah, to get a fifer and get my name on the honours board, it's a very special feeling," he said.The England pacer was equally struck by the atmosphere at the MCG, singling out the travelling supporters for special praise."It was with 95,000 people yesterday. The Barmy Army have been unbelievable these past four games and especially here as well, in front of 95,000 people, it's amazing being in the moment for them," Tongue added.Tongue also reflected on the personal challenges he has overcome, revealing how close he came to walking away from the game due to injury troubles."100%. I was in a tough situation with my body and stuff. I was potentially retiring, 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 noted.He credited the conditions at the MCG and the collective effort of England’s bowling attack for their success."I'd say all of them, I think. Obviously, coming to the ground on the first day, we knew it was going to be great. It suits us and how we all bowled out there, making sure we broke our lengths. I thought all of our bowlers did exceptionally well," he said.Winning a Test at such an iconic venue made the occasion even more memorable for Tongue."To be part of a Test match-winning team as well, here at the MCG," he said, before adding, "100%," when asked if he was ready to bat in the second innings.Summing up his emotions, Tongue underlined the scale of the achievement."To win here at the MCG, Boxing Day Test, I can't be happy enough," he added.