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 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 maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 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 established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge tenure
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 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 shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising 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 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 seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive track record since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast 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 seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and mental resilience required to succeed at 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 seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season 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 remarkable 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 the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed 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 indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon 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 attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level 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 arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, producing the kind of 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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach 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 extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing 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 approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations