England fast 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 joined the reigning 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 impressive 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, featuring 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 star prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 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 mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable performance since 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, 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, showcasing the technical prowess 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign 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 maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform 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 maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence 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 key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world 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 emerged as one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 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 performance in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under immense pressure, providing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the wider squad, offering younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a valuable resource and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations