England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 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 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
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 fast 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 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 extension, 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 consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, 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, demonstrating 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard 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. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, delivering the kind of 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the overall team, offering younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with 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 serving as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates 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 reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations