England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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 his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge tenure
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 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 upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough 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 extension, 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 consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” 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 seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive record since 2024 move
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 paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill and mental resilience required to perform well in 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 since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
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 highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-for in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, providing the calibre of decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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 backs long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability 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 objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations