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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 fast bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost to have current international players 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 future seasons. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record since moving in 2024
Since joining 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 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, 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 seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form 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 highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, showcasing the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different 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 notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his knack for performing under considerable pressure, providing the type of match-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 supports 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 highlighted that possessing 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 title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution 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 foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations