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 through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, 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 outstanding 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, featuring 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 star extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining 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 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 breakthrough 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 the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong 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 paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken 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 recognising his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- 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’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
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 defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-for in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the calibre of match-winning 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead 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 cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations