England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising 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 consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during 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 underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong track record following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 bowling skill 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 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- 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. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar 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 victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical refinement and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 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 debut Test five-wicket performance in that match exemplified his knack for performing under intense pressure, providing the calibre of decisive bowling displays that England sorely needed during their 4-1 series defeat.
| 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 value of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the overall team, giving younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations