England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term 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 made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches 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 represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 breakout 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 welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong track record following moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and mental resilience required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously 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 rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming 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 maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his knack for performing under considerable pressure, producing the calibre of decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 supports long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the overall team, offering younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a valuable resource and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, 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 looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations