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 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 made a significant impact, taking 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 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 renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since arriving at 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 positive trajectory 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 preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive performance following 2024 move
Since joining 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 consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing 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 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 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
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 win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform 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 the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under intense pressure, providing the type of match-winning 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 backs long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the overall team, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations