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 through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning 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 outings at an impressive 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, 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 ace renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership 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 dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, 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 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 provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong performance since 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait 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 featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence 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 fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete 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 the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his knack for performing under considerable pressure, producing the calibre 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 supports long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the wider squad, providing younger talents the chance to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. 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 reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations