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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including 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 star extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight 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 in 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 preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign 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 extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played 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 reigning champions’ objectives. 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 seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates 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 seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his knack for performing under considerable 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 expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead 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 cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations