England pace 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, who moved to the defending 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 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 become a key member of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association 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 keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and psychological strength required to perform well in 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 seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season 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 remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue 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’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
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 cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his knack for performing under immense pressure, providing the type of match-winning 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 voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the overall team, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations