England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will see him remain 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, claiming 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 demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England star prolongs Trent Bridge stay
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 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 preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players 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 quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong track record since 2024 move
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 sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly 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 acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title 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, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so 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 capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates 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 seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across 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 debut Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his knack for performing under considerable pressure, providing the kind of decisive 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 backs long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the wider squad, providing younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central 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 growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations