England pace 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 cricketer, who moved to the defending 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 first championship win 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 player renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership 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 pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief 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 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 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 standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record following moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving 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 rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his knack for performing under considerable pressure, producing the type of match-winning bowling displays that England urgently required 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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the wider squad, offering younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, 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, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy 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 integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations