England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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 moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 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 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 important part of the England Test squad.
England star prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress 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 commitment to the county reflects the upward path 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players 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 standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Strong record following moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story 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 vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring 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 included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when pressure peaks. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing 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 took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable 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 world stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the pace bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests reflects a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been smooth, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude needed to perform against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he emerged as one of the few bright spots in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, delivering the calibre of decisive 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 extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides tangible benefits to the wider squad, offering younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy 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, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores importance of overseas talent raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and trophy aspirations