England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “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 commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable performance following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An 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
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing 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 so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform 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 maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform 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 to Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets over 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 debut Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his knack for performing under considerable pressure, delivering the calibre of match-winning 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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal 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 demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations