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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches 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, 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 star extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, 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 continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance 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 performance since the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, 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, demonstrating the technical prowess 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An 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’s 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing 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 so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence 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 established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree 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 stage has been seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over 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 haul in that match exemplified his knack for performing under immense pressure, providing the type of match-winning 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations