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 moved to the defending 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 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, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also become a key member of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight 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 in leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire 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 maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Impressive performance since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to 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 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
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 win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, displaying the technical excellence and mental fortitude required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and 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 standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the calibre of match-winning 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 endorses long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers practical advantages to the broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build 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 ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations