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 cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph 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 established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 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 shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
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 commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself 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, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength required to succeed at 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 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience 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 last winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal 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 showcased his ability to perform under intense pressure, providing the kind 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 importance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the overall team, giving younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations