England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new 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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue taking 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence 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 performance since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing 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 recognising his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under considerable pressure, providing the type of match-winning 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 supports extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the chance to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach 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 crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations