England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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 cricketer, 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 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 star renews 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 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 commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill and psychological strength required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts 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 seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top 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 breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level 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 effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge 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. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph 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, providing the kind 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 endorses long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations