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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 player renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership 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 fast bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong track record since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating 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 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An 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 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured 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 efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing 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 emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his ability to perform under immense pressure, providing the calibre of match-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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations