Unexpectedly, cricket tends to embarrass itself. On a day that England desperately needed something to give them hope of getting back into the Ashes fire, it came from an unlikely source, Josh Tongue, a young England bowler who didn’t sell at the IPL 2026 auction. In the scorching Melbourne sun on Dec. 26, Tongue tore apart Australia, taking 5 wickets for 45 runs off 11.2 overs as he took the Australian batsman for 152. This was England’s first five-wicket haul at the MCG since 1998, after a 27-year wait during which many top-class English cricketers played but none could conjure up magic.
Tongue’s Spell, England’s Structural Fragility
Tongue’s success wasn’t accidental or atmospheric. It was old-school fast bowling executed with modern clarity, back-of-a-length, steep bounce, and relentless accuracy. At the MCG, where patience often trumps pace, Tongue forced batters onto the back foot, extracting seam movement that doesn’t show up in speed-gun readings.
But England’s collapse that followed exposed a familiar Ashes flaw: bowling brilliance unsupported by batting ballast. Since 2017, England have crossed 200 just twice in the first innings at the MCG. Tongue gave them parity; the batters gave it back with interest. His five-for became a footnote instead of a platform, a pattern England knows far too well.
Mumbai Indians: When Depth Meets Missed Variation
Mumbai Indians don’t lack fast bowlers; they hoard them. Bumrah, Boult, Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Corbin Bosch, it’s a pace buffet. But MI’s attack leans heavily on swing and shape, particularly up front. Tongue would have offered something subtly different: hard lengths and chest-high discomfort, especially valuable at the Wankhede, where bounce often beats movement.
In recent seasons, MI have struggled when pitches flatten, and swing disappears. Tongue’s hit-the-deck approach could have been the disruptor, not replacing Boult or Chahar, but complementing them. Sometimes depth isn’t about numbers; it’s about contrast. MI had the budget, the need, and the venue fit. They just didn’t pull the trigger.
Chennai Super Kings: Middle-Overs Muscle Lost
CSK’s decision to release Matheesha Pathirana signaled a tactical reset. With Khaleel Ahmed swinging it early and Matt Henry offering control, the new-ball phase is covered. Nathan Ellis handles death overs with cutters and deception. What CSK lacks, however, is a middle-overs fast bowler who can attack set batters without relying on variations.
Tongue fits that brief neatly. His ability to seam the ball at pace would have allowed spinners to attack from the other end, a classic CSK squeeze. On pitches like Delhi, Mumbai, or Eden Gardens, where bounce rewards brave lengths, Tongue could have been a pressure valve. For a franchise that prides itself on role clarity, letting Tongue pass feels like overthinking simplicity.
Gujarat Titans: Ahmedabad’s Untapped Weapon
Gujarat Titans built wisely at the auction, pairing Kagiso Rabada with Jason Holder and Luke Wood. But fast-bowling depth isn’t a luxury, it’s insurance. Ahmedabad’s surface rewards bowlers who hit the deck hard, not just those who swing it. Rabada thrives there. Tongue would have too.
As a backup or rotation option, Tongue could have absorbed workload, covered injuries, and attacked on surfaces where bounce is currency. GT plays seven games at home, a strategic advantage that demands specialists, not just stars. Tongue wouldn’t have been a headline signing; he would have been a smart one. And championships are often built on the latter.
Key Takeaway
Josh Tongue isn’t unsold because he lacks skill; he’s unsold because teams misread where his strengths truly belong.
FAQs
1. What made Josh Tongue’s MCG spell special?
His five-for ended a 27-year wait for England at the venue, built on bounce, accuracy, and relentless lengths.
2. Why did England still trail after dismissing Australia cheaply?
A fragile batting lineup collapsed for 110, undoing the advantage created by Tongue’s bowling.
3. How could Josh Tongue fit into the IPL despite going unsold?
His hit-the-deck style suits venues like Wankhede and Ahmedabad, offering middle-overs impact and tactical flexibility.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
Step into the world of cricket with JeetBuzz News—where expert opinions, trending Blogs, and behind-the-scenes insights meet all your favorite topics. Stay informed, stay entertained, and never miss the stories shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
