England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge stay
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 leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace 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 preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive record since the 2024 transfer
Since joining 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 sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and mental resilience required to succeed at 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 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 the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Upon 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 attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, providing the kind of decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the chance to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining 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 substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations