England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England star prolongs 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 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 renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost 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 title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group 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.
Strong record following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, 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, showcasing the bowling skill and psychological strength required to perform well in 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
- 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 title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous 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 sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the type of decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 endorses long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations