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 through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club 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 displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 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 become a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining 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 commitment to the county 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated 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 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 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took 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 indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under considerable pressure, providing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely needed 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 endorses long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the wider squad, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy 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 integral to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations