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 through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 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 established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight 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 in 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 eager to develop 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 welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost 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 commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable record since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and mental resilience required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing 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 so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. 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 seek to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, delivering the kind of 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 backs long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their championship-winning status, 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 substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions 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 the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations