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 his previous club 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 maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England star extends Trent Bridge tenure
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 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals mutual confidence 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 value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost 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 commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable track record since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, 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 top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and mental resilience required to succeed at 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 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning 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 remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing 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 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 commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been strikingly quick. 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 attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a degree of consistency that belies his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical refinement and mental strength needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true measure of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the few bright spots in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Taking 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, providing 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 supports long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides practical advantages to the wider squad, giving younger talents the chance to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler demonstrating his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations