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 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, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive 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, featuring 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 star prolongs 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 in 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 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 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 consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record following moving in 2024
Since joining 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 accumulated 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 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 England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
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 took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone 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 reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest 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 success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, providing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving 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 parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations