England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a 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 made a significant impact, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s first championship win since 2010, with Tongue taking 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring 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 renews Trent Bridge stay
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 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 commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough 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, emphasising Tongue’s value to the squad 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 opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable track record following moving in 2024
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 accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and psychological strength required to perform well in 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 dismissals in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship crown
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he captured an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform 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 maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from domestic cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, displaying the technical excellence and psychological resilience required to compete against the best batsmen in the world across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, producing the type of match-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 backs long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the overall team, providing younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to preserving their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning 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 cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period 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 win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations