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 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 performances were instrumental in 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England player renews Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining 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 commitment to the county reflects the positive trajectory 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 preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting 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 continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive record 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 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, 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 acknowledging his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages 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 performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances 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 attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously preserving his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, showcasing the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his knack for performing under immense pressure, delivering 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 endorses long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the overall team, providing 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 sustaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension represents a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, 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 promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations