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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence 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 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 upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, emphasising 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 consistently reinforces 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 keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record since 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess 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 seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international 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. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 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 concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience 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 in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver 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 long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the overall team, giving 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 preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence 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