England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings 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, including 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 renews 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 eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals mutual confidence 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 value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international 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 two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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 bowling skill and mental resilience 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and 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 hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a degree of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, producing the type of match-winning bowling displays that England sorely needed 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 endorses long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining 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 represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle 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 intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central 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 development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations