England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge through to no later than 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 displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since joining 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 upward path 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad 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 impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record following moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season 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 remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing 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 highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain 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 pace bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under intense pressure, providing the calibre of decisive bowling displays that England desperately needed 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 supports long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the overall team, providing younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy 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 represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, 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 additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations