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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 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 claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace prolongs Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight 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 upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop 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 embraced the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, 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, showcasing the bowling skill and psychological strength required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a vital component 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’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
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 secured his position as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match exemplified his knack for performing under intense pressure, providing the kind of match-decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the overall team, providing younger talents the opportunity 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 acting as both a valuable resource and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations