England fast 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 through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring 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 extends Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough 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, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised 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 reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record following 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated 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 succeed at 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 dismissals 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 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 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 the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental 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 showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, delivering the type of 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the overall team, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations