England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from 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 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 become a key member of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players 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 offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track 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 paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated 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 recognising his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 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 first Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, delivering the type 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-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the overall team, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations