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 made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership 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 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 preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “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 commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record following the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story 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, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength 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 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently 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 championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his knack for performing under considerable pressure, delivering the type of match-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 endorses long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, 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 raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and trophy aspirations