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 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 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since arriving at 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough 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 extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating 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 glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally 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 progression from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his knack for performing under intense pressure, producing the kind 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 supports long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the wider squad, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader 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 future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations