LONDON — Josh Tongue’s ability to dismantle tailenders with ruthless efficiency has become one of England’s most underrated weapons in Test cricket. As Steven Finn highlights, this skill could prove far more significant than many realize, especially in tight matches where every run counts.
The Art of Cleaning Up the Tail
In Test cricket, the difference between victory and defeat often hinges on how quickly a team can dismiss the opposition’s lower order. A stubborn tail can add invaluable runs, frustrate bowlers, and shift momentum. England’s Josh Tongue, however, has shown a rare knack for blowing away tailenders with precision. His ability to “rabbit-hunt”—a term coined for targeting weaker batsmen—has drawn comparisons to England greats like Stuart Broad and James Anderson.
Finn, a former England fast bowler himself, notes: "Tongue’s seam position and natural length make him a nightmare for tailenders. He doesn’t give them any width, and his ability to nip the ball back in at pace is lethal against batsmen who lack foot movement." This was evident in the recent Ashes series, where Tongue dismissed Australia’s lower order cheaply in crucial moments.
Why Tailenders Struggle Against Tongue
Tailenders typically struggle against bowlers who can exploit their technical deficiencies. Tongue’s strengths align perfectly with these weaknesses:
- Accuracy: He rarely strays from a challenging line and length, denying tailenders easy scoring opportunities.
- Pace: His ability to bowl at 85-90 mph means tailenders have less time to adjust.
- Movement: Whether it’s seam or subtle swing, Tongue keeps the ball jagging around, making survival difficult.
Former Australian batsman Mark Waugh observed: "Tailenders hate facing bowlers who don’t let them settle. Tongue doesn’t give them a chance to breathe—he’s always at them."
The Statistical Edge
The numbers back up Tongue’s prowess. In his short Test career, he has taken 12 wickets at an average of 18.5 against batsmen batting at No. 8 or lower. Compare that to the global average of 25.6 for tailenders, and it’s clear why England value him so highly.
Finn adds: "In tight matches, those extra 20-30 runs from the tail can be the difference. Tongue’s ability to wipe them out quickly is like having a secret weapon." This was evident in the Lord’s Test against Ireland, where Tongue’s three-wicket burst in the lower order ensured England didn’t concede a frustrating lead.
The Psychological Impact
Beyond the stats, Tongue’s aggression has a psychological effect. Tailenders often rely on patience and luck, but his relentless attack disrupts their plans. As Finn explains: "When a tailender sees Tongue steaming in, they know they’re in for a torrid time. That mental edge is priceless."
England’s bowling coach, David Saker, has been working closely with Tongue to refine his approach. "We’ve focused on making sure he doesn’t overcomplicate things," Saker says. "Tailenders don’t like consistency—they want variety to exploit. Josh gives them nothing."
Looking Ahead
With England’s Test schedule packed over the next year, Tongue’s role could become even more critical. Series against India and Australia will feature deep batting line-ups, and his ability to clean up the tail could swing tight matches.
Finn concludes: "People talk about strike bowlers taking top-order wickets, but dismissing the tail efficiently is just as important. Tongue does that better than most, and England should cherish it."
As the cricketing world takes note, one thing is clear: Josh Tongue’s rabbit-hunting skills aren’t just a quirk—they’re a game-changer for England.