England pace bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will see him remain 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 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 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England star renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association 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 commitment to the county 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 welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team 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 title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 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 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 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part 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 hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing 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 win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest 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 performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-for in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, producing the kind of match-winning 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, recognising the value of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the overall team, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates 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 pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations