England fast 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 Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win 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 established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England player renews 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 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 mutual confidence 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong performance since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to 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 sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and mental resilience required to perform well in 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 following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season 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 extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured 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 reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining 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 emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Upon 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 Tests demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 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 first Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, providing the kind of match-decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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 long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance 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 wider squad, offering younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and trophy aspirations