England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 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 prolongs Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight 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 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 extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record following the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and psychological strength required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency 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 inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, delivering the type of match-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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the wider squad, providing younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations