England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win 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 renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight 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 in 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 keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout 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 embraced the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad 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 influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive track record since the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, 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, showcasing the bowling skill 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 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 in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing 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 thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets in 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 exemplified his ability to perform under immense pressure, producing the type of decisive bowling displays that England sorely needed 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 long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations