England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since arriving at the club. “I love playing here and I feel my game has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the fast bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals shared belief 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story 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, showcasing the technical prowess and mental resilience 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing 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, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-for in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, providing the kind 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-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations