England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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, claiming 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 claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including 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 extends Trent Bridge stay
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 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 commitment to the county 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 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, 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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, 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.
Remarkable performance since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace 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, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 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 the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently 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 title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against 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 demonstrates a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an otherwise 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 showcased his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, providing the calibre of match-winning 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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset 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 future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations