England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will see him remain at Trent Bridge until at least 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, taking 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England star prolongs Trent Bridge stay
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 fast bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it continually reminds 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 seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong track record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill 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 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-for in that match showcased his knack for performing under considerable pressure, delivering the type of match-decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an motivational leader 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 obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations