England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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 joined the reigning County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings 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, 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 player prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight 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 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 dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record following 2024 move
Since moving to 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 sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, showcasing the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under intense pressure, producing the type of decisive bowling displays that England urgently required 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 long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the wider squad, giving younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their championship-winning status, 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, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations