Phil Tufnell Predicts Josh Tongue's Future Success in Ashes Series

Tufnell's Bold Forecast for England's Cricket Future

Sydney [Australia], December 30: Former England cricketer Phil Tufnell has made an audacious prediction regarding pacer Josh Tongue and the England Test squad as they prepare for the fifth and final Ashes Test, commencing January 4.

During his appearance on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Tufnell expressed confidence that England will clinch the Ashes during their next tour of Australia, anticipated in 2028-29. He specifically highlighted that Josh Tongue will emerge as the man of the series in the upcoming Australia vs England contest.

“In four years, Josh Tongue will be the man of the series, and England will win the Ashes. Mark my words,” Tufnell stated on the podcast.

These remarks follow Tongue's impressive man-of-the-match display in the recent Boxing Day Test, where he played a pivotal role in securing England's first victory on this tour. Facing a 3-0 deficit, the England team, led by Ben Stokes, triumphed over Australia by four wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), preventing a clean sweep.

In the Boxing Day Test, Tongue achieved a remarkable five-wicket haul in the first innings and added two more in the second, totaling seven wickets for the match. He became the first England bowler to receive the Player of the Match award in an Ashes Test in Australia since Dean Headley in 1998.

In addition to his Ashes performance, Tongue has received an unexpected call-up to the England squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, despite not having played any limited-overs matches for the national team.

Alongside the T20 World Cup squad, Tongue has also been selected for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which will take place before the World Cup. Notably, he was the top wicket-taker in The Hundred this year, claiming 14 wickets in just six matches with Manchester Originals, boasting an impressive average of 11.07.