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, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association 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 pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory 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, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. 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 since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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 acknowledging his credentials as a vital component 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 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering 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 cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. 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 unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s quality 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 across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, producing the calibre of match-winning bowling displays that England sorely 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 supports long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the overall team, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations