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 until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, 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 matches 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 demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have established international cricketers at the club as it continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” 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 seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast 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 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 key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Featuring in six red-ball matches in the early stages 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 proved instrumental in breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test arena has been effortless, highlighting the technical excellence and mental strength needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the notable positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under intense pressure, providing the calibre of 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 endorses extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the value of maintaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the chance to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a tangible contribution and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. 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 pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations