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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 star renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since joining 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 commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakout 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 welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly 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 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects 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 arena has been smooth, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, providing the type 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-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations