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 see him remain at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from 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 first championship win 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 player prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief 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 renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated 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 mental resilience 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 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 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 extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form 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 underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, providing the type 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-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the overall team, offering younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations