England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings 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 tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining 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 upward path 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 welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record since 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 accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon 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 record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree 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, displaying the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots 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 first Test five-for in that match showcased his knack for performing under considerable pressure, producing the calibre of decisive 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, recognising the value of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the overall team, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving 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 represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations