England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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 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 outings at an outstanding 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, including 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 star renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising 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 consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable record following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story 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, demonstrating the technical prowess and mental resilience 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 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the 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 pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing 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 commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top 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 breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, producing the kind of decisive bowling displays that England urgently required during their 4-1 series defeat.
| 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the wider squad, providing younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside 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 valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal 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 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 plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations