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 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 made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in 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 tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 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 extension, highlighting 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 quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable performance following the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast 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 recognising his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured 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 contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, displaying the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen 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 otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under considerable pressure, delivering the type of decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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 long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to preserving their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations