England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term 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 cricketer, 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 outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since joining 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 pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county 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 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 the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record since 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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, showcasing 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
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 victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level 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 effortless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, providing the calibre of match-winning bowling displays that England desperately 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 backs long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance 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 wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations