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 made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding 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 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 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 leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace 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 maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players 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 standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record since the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, 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 bowling skill 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 skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait 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 featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts 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, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under considerable pressure, producing the calibre of match-winning 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 endorses long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the wider squad, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining 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 substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations