England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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 joined the reigning 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 displays proved crucial to 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive track record following the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing 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 commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. 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 retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. 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 attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, highlighting the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world 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 few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, producing the kind of decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations