England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term 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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since arriving at 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 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 shared belief 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 renewal, highlighting 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 opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive record following the 2024 transfer
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 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 bowling skill and mental resilience required to perform well in 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 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets over 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 capacity to deliver under intense pressure, providing the type of match-winning bowling displays that England desperately 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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the broader playing group, offering 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 preserving 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 three-year extension represents a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing 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 further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations