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 cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive 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, 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 star renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since arriving at 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 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 welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team 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 opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive track record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-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 hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
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 commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph 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, delivering the kind of decisive 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the wider squad, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to preserving their title-winning position, 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 demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations