England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will see him remain at Trent Bridge through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since arriving at the club. “I love playing here and I feel my game has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the type of decisive bowling displays that England urgently required during their 4-1 series defeat.
| Competition | Performance |
|---|---|
| Test debut (Ireland, 2023) | Established international credentials |
| Ashes series (Australia, 2025-26) | 18 wickets in three matches, including maiden five-wicket haul |
| Boxing Day Test (MCG) | First five-wicket haul; England’s only series victory |
| Career record (nine Tests) | 49 wickets at international level |
Moores backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the chance to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations