England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term 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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership 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 fast 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 mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, emphasising 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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, 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, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season 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 claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. 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 unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across 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-wicket performance in that match exemplified his knack for performing under intense pressure, providing the type of decisive 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, appreciating the importance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the wider squad, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving 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 three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, 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 strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations