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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from 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 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge contract
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 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 preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong performance following 2024 move
Since joining 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 sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the type of match-winning 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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the wider squad, giving 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 preserving 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 extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance 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 achievement
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations