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 moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue claiming 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 become a key member of the England Test squad.
England star renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record following 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 taken 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 succeed at 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 seven first-class matches following his 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
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. 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 move from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over 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 debut Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his knack for performing under intense pressure, producing the calibre of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the wider squad, providing younger talents the chance to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations