England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 star extends Trent Bridge tenure
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 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 renewal, emphasising 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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance 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 2024 move
Since moving to 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 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, showcasing the technical prowess 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 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing 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 included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed 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 claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally 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 domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, providing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the overall team, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations