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 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 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 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 contract
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since joining 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” 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 future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record following moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and mental resilience required to succeed at 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
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that belies 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 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 calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, delivering the calibre of match-winning bowling displays that England sorely 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 long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the wider squad, offering younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations