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 moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue claiming 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 star renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace 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 shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” 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 future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record since 2024 move
Since moving to 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 sustained quality, 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, 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 recognising his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages 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, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen 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 underlining his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. 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 unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, displaying the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers 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 debut Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his ability to perform under intense pressure, delivering the kind of match-decisive bowling displays that England desperately needed during their 4-1 series loss.
| 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising 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 broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations