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 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 made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 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 maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” 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 future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable record following moving in 2024
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 paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated 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 acknowledging his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, showcasing the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, providing the kind of match-winning bowling displays that England urgently required 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 long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy 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 looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations