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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence 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 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 fast bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the upward path 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team 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 praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable performance 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 paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, 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, 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 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 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching 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 captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured 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 efforts were crucial to ending 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 featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, highlighting the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental 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 capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, producing the kind of decisive 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 backs long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the broader playing group, 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 championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating 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 suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations