England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge contract
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 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 upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting 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 continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record since the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken 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 mental resilience required to perform well in 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing 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 thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree 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 smooth, showcasing the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication 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 in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-for in that match showcased his knack for performing under considerable pressure, delivering the kind of decisive 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 supports long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations