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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who moved to the defending 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 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 demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight 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 dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack 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.
Impressive record following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets over 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 exemplified his ability to perform under immense pressure, providing the kind of match-decisive 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead 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 demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations