England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term 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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since joining 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 pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record following 2024 move
Since joining 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 sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took 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-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. 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 Test matches reflects 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 stage has been seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience 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 last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-for in that match showcased his ability to perform under intense pressure, producing the kind of match-winning bowling displays that England urgently required during their 4-1 series loss.
| 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 expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their championship-winning status, 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, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations