England star’s career was saved by BOTOX injections after coming ‘really close’ to shock early retirement

ENGLAND fast bowler Josh Tongue can be thankful for many things when he looks back on his career to this point. His cricket coach dad who supported him as a youngster, working under legends like Brendon McCullum, and last but not least – BOTOX. Josh Tongue was almost forced to retire in his mid-20s Credit: Getty Images Ollie Robinson shows the match ball that he and Tongue split in half after taking five wickets each Credit: PA Tongue showed his class in the First Test against Pakistan this week with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, before splitting the match ball in half with team-mate Ollie Robinson, who also took five. But there was a point when it looked like Tongue, 28, would be denied such memorable moments. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! In 2022, the Nottinghamshire star was fighting a losing battle against thoracic outlet syndrome, which causes pain and numbness in the arms and fingers. He had two operations and was considering a third – with the idea of a rib removal even put on the table. Retirement in his mid-20s was then a real danger. But then another suggestion was put forward: Botox injections – the same kind that, when used facially, are used to smooth out wrinkles. And that would prove to be a massive turning point. Tongue told The Guardian: “It was just a really horrible time. We were in conversations with the PCA [Professional Cricketers’ Association] and going through all the insurance forms [on retirement]. It was heavy. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Tongue found his groove on day one of the First Test against Pakistan Credit: PA “The specialist said: ‘Look, you might have to have another operation,’ that would have been my third op in the same area. “He was even thinking about taking out my first rib to try to take the pressure off. That would have been it, I think.” Then came the Botox. Tongue recalled: “I was back bowling about two or three weeks later and played for Worcestershire at the back end of that summer. “Six months later, I made my Test debut for England.” Tongue cemented his status as an England star in the latest Ashes series, when he inspired a Boxing Day Test victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with five wickets in the first innings. And now he wants to kick on, adding: “My dream is to be England’s opening bowler. That’s where my eyes are at the minute.” Comment now