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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive 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, featuring 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 extends Trent Bridge tenure
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 commitment to the county 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced 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 continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended 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 aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong performance following moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, 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 bowling skill and mental resilience 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing 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 emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, highlighting the technical excellence and mental strength required to compete 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 last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets in 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-wicket performance in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, delivering the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the overall team, offering younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. 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 intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations