England pace 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 moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 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 taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 fast 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost 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 impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance 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 following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 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
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing 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 included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays 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 witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a level of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-for in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, providing the kind of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations