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 cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding 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 demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England player extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 commitment to the county 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 mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status 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 established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong performance since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was 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 maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform 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 performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally 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 journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, displaying the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre 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 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 maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under considerable pressure, providing the calibre of match-winning bowling displays that England desperately needed 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 demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the overall team, offering younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations