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, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win 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 established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since arriving at 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 breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost 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 influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable record following moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast 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 seamlessly integrated 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 seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen 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’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently 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 performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under immense pressure, delivering the kind of match-decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of retaining a existing 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 learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving 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 sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations