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 cricketer, who joined the reigning 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 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 become a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight 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 commitment to the county reflects the upward path 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, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance since 2024 move
Since joining 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 consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating 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 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
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 extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver 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 unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent 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 cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform 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 last winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his knack for performing under immense pressure, producing the type of match-winning 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 long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and trophy aspirations