England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 moved to the defending 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 impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win 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 become a important part of the England Test squad.
England player extends Trent Bridge tenure
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 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 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 mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad 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 commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong track record since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets 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 Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
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 captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed 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 preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, delivering 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, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the overall team, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations