England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 fast bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong track record 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 sustained quality, 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, showcasing 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue 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 highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, displaying the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and 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. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, producing the kind of match-decisive 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations