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 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 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 maiden title triumph 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England star renews 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 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 preserve their position among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage 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 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 following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases 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 inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending 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 highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst simultaneously 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 performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that undermines his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over 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 first Test five-wicket performance in that match demonstrated his knack for performing under immense pressure, producing the type of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely needed during their 4-1 series defeat.
| 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, recognising the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers tangible benefits to the broader playing group, offering younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a practical asset and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those ambitions during what promises to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship victory demonstrates tangible on-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and trophy aspirations