England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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 Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge stay
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 fast bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the upward path 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 preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. 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 2024 move
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 accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill and mental resilience 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 seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency 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 first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue 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 highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably 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 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 secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match showcased his ability to perform under considerable pressure, providing the type of match-winning 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 expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations