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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association 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 pace bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout 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 real boost 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 influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group 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.
Strong 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 premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken 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 succeed at 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 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- 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
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing 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 witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top 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 success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that undermines 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, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets across 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 maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under considerable pressure, providing the kind of 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the overall team, offering younger talents the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an influential presence 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 foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct 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 ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations