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 cricketer, 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 displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph 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 tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership 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 upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakout 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, 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong track record since 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, 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, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering 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 featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, providing 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete 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 underscores the value of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations