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 see him remain at Trent Bridge through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, 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 impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England player extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 fast bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting 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 consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” 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 future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable performance since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, 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 psychological strength required to succeed at 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating 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 witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, displaying the technical refinement 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 quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his knack for performing under intense pressure, producing the kind of match-winning bowling displays that England sorely 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 demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the overall team, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations