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 made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph 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 star prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
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 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 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 maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting 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 influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive track record following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent 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 cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across 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 maiden Test five-for in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, delivering the kind of decisive bowling displays that England desperately needed 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the overall team, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations