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 moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge contract
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 in 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 mutual confidence 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” 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 retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong track record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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 technical prowess and mental resilience required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign 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 extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait 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 so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining 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 invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. 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 unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, displaying the technical excellence and mental fortitude needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 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 maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the kind of match-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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations