England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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 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 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership 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 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 breakout 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 extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his quality within the bowling group offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable track record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, 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 taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess 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 wickets in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-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 took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon 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 tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a level of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression 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 across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal 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 demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, delivering the kind of match-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 existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against 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 inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on last season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations