England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 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, including 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 renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership 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 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 embraced the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record following the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself 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, demonstrating the bowling skill and mental resilience 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 seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Upon 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 Test matches showcases 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 stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform 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 of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-for in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, producing the type of decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations