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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive 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 represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced 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 opportunities that our game has to offer,” 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 ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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 perform well in 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, showcasing the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his ability to perform under considerable pressure, providing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution 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 future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle 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 looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations