England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will see him remain 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 Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding 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 demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since arriving at 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 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 shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable performance following moving in 2024
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 tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and mental resilience required to perform well in 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 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part 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, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, highlighting the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across 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 first Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, producing the type 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value 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
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations