England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue taking 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since arriving at 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 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 welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting 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 consistently reinforces 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 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 performance since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace 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 settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign 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 extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form 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 highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. 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 bid to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different 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 standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, producing the calibre 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 supports long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct 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 objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations