England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will see him remain at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county 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 welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record following moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill and psychological strength 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season 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 remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, showcasing the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across 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 maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, providing the calibre of match-decisive 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 endorses long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the overall team, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations