England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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 moved to the defending 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 maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “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 commended Tongue’s impact during 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 underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong 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 tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
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 win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers 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 performance in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, delivering 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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations