England fast 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 his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive 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 become a important part of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since arriving at 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 commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group 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.
Remarkable record since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, 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, demonstrating the bowling skill 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed 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 efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, showcasing the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 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-for in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, delivering the type of match-winning bowling displays that England sorely 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the overall team, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations