England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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 cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding 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 demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs 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 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 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players 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 seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive performance following the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised 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 seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and mental resilience required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
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 claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases 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 seamless, displaying the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, delivering the type of decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the wider squad, offering younger talents the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving 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 parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build 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 promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations