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 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 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 established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace 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 fast bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire 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 extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive track record following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, 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, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his ability to perform under intense pressure, producing the type of decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the overall team, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations