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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 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 taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association 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 dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record following the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his knack for performing under considerable pressure, providing the calibre of match-winning 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, appreciating the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations