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 cricketer, who joined the reigning 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 matches at an impressive 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge stay
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 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 breakout season. The new deal signals mutual confidence 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 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 Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace 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 seamlessly integrated 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 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 Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his knack for performing under immense pressure, delivering the type of match-winning 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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning 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 parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations