England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term 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 outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory 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 English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, highlighting 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 commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong track record since 2024 move
Since joining 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 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 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, delivering the type of decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the overall team, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations