England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 fast 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, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance since 2024 move
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 taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the bowling skill and psychological strength required to succeed at 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 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete 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 last winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under intense pressure, producing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the overall team, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to continued high performance and trophy aspirations