England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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 established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 ace 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 commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough 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 and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout 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 underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive performance since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, 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 first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and psychological strength required to succeed at 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 seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, displaying the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets over 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 debut Test five-for in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, producing the calibre of decisive 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, acknowledging the significance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the wider squad, providing younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. 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 suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations