England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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 cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding 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, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England player extends Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 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 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 renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong track record since the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, 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, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- 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 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously 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 emergence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, displaying the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform 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 the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under considerable pressure, producing the calibre 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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal 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 demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations