England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him 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 outings 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 upward path 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 preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record since 2024 move
Since moving to 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 seamlessly integrated 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete 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 to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over 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 debut Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under immense pressure, providing the type of match-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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the overall team, offering younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations