England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least 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 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 breakout season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players 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 future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable track 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 tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games 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 perform well in 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 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving 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 international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role 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 showcased his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, providing the calibre of match-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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations