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 keep him 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 made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches 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 represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association 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 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 maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team 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 offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive performance following the 2024 transfer
Since joining 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 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, 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 acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets 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
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top 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 success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, showcasing the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-for in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, delivering the calibre of match-winning 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-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations