England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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, 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 outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 star renews Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining 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 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 mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players 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 standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive track record since moving in 2024
Since joining 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 accumulated 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 perform well in 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 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed 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 claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, displaying the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across 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-for in that match exemplified his ability to perform under immense pressure, delivering the type of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 backs extended outlook
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 stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates 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 ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability 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 defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations