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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding 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, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 fast bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory 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, highlighting 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 continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive performance since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised 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 settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess 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 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-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 claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the type of decisive 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing 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 securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations