England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his 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, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 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, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a key member of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge contract
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 pace bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting 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 continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout 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 underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst developing talent for the national team.
Strong record since 2024 move
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and psychological strength required to succeed at 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 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
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 captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, demonstrating his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
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 victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his significance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been exceptionally rapid. Making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a cornerstone of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that contradicts his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, highlighting 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 quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under intense pressure, providing the kind of decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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 supports long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the significance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers practical advantages to the wider squad, giving younger talents the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead 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 forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his availability and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, 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 development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations