Imagine a bowler so dominant that he turns one of cricket’s greatest batsmen into his personal punching bag. Five innings, five dismissals—this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a statement. England’s Josh Tongue has seemingly unlocked the secret to dismantling Steve Smith, and the cricket world is taking notice. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Tongue truly Smith’s kryptonite, or is this just a lucky streak? Let’s dive in.
On the opening day of the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG, Tongue once again sent Smith packing, this time for a mere 9 runs. A cunning in-ducker sneaked past Smith’s inside edge, crashing into the stumps and leaving Australia reeling at 4-51. This wasn’t just another wicket; it was Tongue’s fifth dismissal of Smith in as many innings—a feat that’s as rare as it is remarkable. And this is the part most people miss: Tongue’s success against Smith isn’t a fluke. It’s a pattern that dates back to 2023, with dismissals in the County Championship, the Ashes Test at Lord’s, and even The Hundred.
In Test cricket, Smith has managed a meager 35 runs from 69 balls against Tongue, averaging a paltry 11.67. Yet, when asked about his dominance, Tongue remains humble. “He’s obviously an amazing player,” he told reporters. “I’ve grown up watching him, and getting him out is a very special feeling. But to me, he’s just another batter I want to dismiss.” Bold words, but is Tongue downplaying his achievement, or is he genuinely unfazed by Smith’s reputation?
Tongue’s strategy is as intriguing as his success. He attributes his effectiveness to his ability to make the ball move naturally. “If it hits the seam and comes back in, and I don’t know, then the batter probably won’t either,” he explained. This unpredictability, combined with his fuller length and relentless accuracy, has made him a force to be reckoned with. But here’s the kicker: Tongue controversially missed the first two Ashes Tests, overlooked in favor of Brydon Carse. Since his recall, however, he’s taken ten wickets at an average of 17.90, becoming England’s second-leading wicket-taker in the series.
His eight-over spell before lunch on day one—which claimed the wickets of Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Smith—was nothing short of masterful. By the end of the innings, he had career-best figures of 5-45, becoming the first Englishman to take a five-wicket haul in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG since 1998. “It’s a dream come true,” Tongue admitted, his emotions palpable. Yet, his journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Earlier in his career, he battled thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition affecting nerves and blood vessels near the shoulder. More recently, a pectoral muscle rupture and torn hamstring sidelined him for 15 months. His resilience and dedication to recovery have undeniably paid off.
The MCG’s green pitch, which offered ample seam movement, played right into Tongue’s hands. “If you put the ball in the right areas, you’re going to get your rewards,” he said. But is this pitch too bowler-friendly? Some argue it’s unfair to batsmen, while others believe it’s a test of true skill. What do you think?
Despite England’s first-innings collapse to 110—their lowest total in Australia since 1977—Tongue remains unfazed. “We play a very positive brand of cricket,” he said, brushing off any frustration. But as the fourth Ashes Test resumes, one question lingers: Can Tongue continue his dominance, or will Smith find a way to break the curse? What’s your take? Is Tongue the real deal, or is this just a temporary blip in Smith’s illustrious career? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
