England fast 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, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, 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 represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs 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 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 positive trajectory 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong track record following moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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 bowling skill and psychological strength 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 following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts 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 maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably 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 title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his knack for performing under considerable pressure, delivering the kind of match-winning 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 long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the overall team, offering younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan 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 extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace 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 suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations