England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him 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 matches at an outstanding 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, including 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 player renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining 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 upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout 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 importance to the team 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 opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong performance since moving in 2024
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 settled smoothly 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 acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 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 first Test five-for in that match exemplified his knack for performing under considerable pressure, providing the type of match-winning bowling displays that England sorely 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 long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the overall team, offering younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations