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, who moved to the defending 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 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 demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England star renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance following the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast 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, demonstrating the bowling skill 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 since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, showcasing the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre 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. Claiming 18 wickets over 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 demonstrated his knack for performing under intense pressure, providing the type of match-winning bowling displays that England urgently required 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 voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the chance to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting 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, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations