England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge until at least 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 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 represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” 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 seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong performance since the 2024 transfer
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and mental resilience required to perform well in the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
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 took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 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 haul in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under intense pressure, delivering the kind 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 supports long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach 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 three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations