England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will see him remain at Trent Bridge until at least 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, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to 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 ace prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated 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 mental resilience required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
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 took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays 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 unit.
This season has seen 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 underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, displaying the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, delivering the calibre of match-decisive 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a valuable resource and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge 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 the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations