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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive 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 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 tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 pace 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 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 renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during 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 reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record since the 2024 transfer
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 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 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the type of match-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 expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the overall team, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations