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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive 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 established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership 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 maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken 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 psychological strength 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 7 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 title
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 captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone 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 win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates 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 seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over 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-wicket performance in that match showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, producing the calibre of decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the overall team, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations