England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least 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 made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches 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, including 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 ace renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 fast bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough 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 embraced the contract extension, highlighting 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 consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack 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.
Remarkable track record following the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising 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 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
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. 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 seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, displaying the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal 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 capacity to deliver under intense pressure, producing the type of match-winning 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 long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an motivational leader 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 showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy 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 integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations