England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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 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 established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight 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 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 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, 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 consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong performance following 2024 move
Since moving to 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 sustained quality, 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place 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 comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, showcasing 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 emerged as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in 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 performance in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under immense pressure, providing the type of match-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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining 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 three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations