England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term 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, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from 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 displays proved crucial to 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 prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised 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, 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was 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 included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
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 claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance 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 indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world 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 proved to be one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under considerable 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the overall team, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution 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 cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to continued high performance and trophy aspirations