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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 star prolongs Trent Bridge contract
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 fast 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 preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced 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 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 title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance 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.
Impressive record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast 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, showcasing the bowling skill 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under immense pressure, producing the type of match-winning 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the wider squad, offering younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader 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 forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations