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 moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win 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 established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since arriving at 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 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 renewal, highlighting 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 consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance following moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself 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, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking 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 win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal 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 showcased his ability to perform under considerable pressure, delivering 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead 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 forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations