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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring 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 ace extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 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 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 reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record following 2024 move
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 tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and mental resilience 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 since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved 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 included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 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 invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent 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 key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, showcasing the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across 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-wicket haul in that match showcased his knack for performing under immense pressure, providing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely needed 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 endorses long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the overall team, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations