England fast bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will see him remain at Trent Bridge through to no later than 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 established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph 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 become a important part of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs 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 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 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, emphasising 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 continually reminds everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during 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 reinforces the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record since moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture 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, demonstrating the bowling skill and psychological strength 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 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Important contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an remarkable 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 proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, establishing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His record of 49 wickets from nine Tests demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from domestic cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, displaying the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and 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 standout performers in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets over 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-for in that match demonstrated his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, delivering the calibre of decisive bowling displays that England desperately 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 demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, recognising the importance of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores highlighted that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the overall team, giving younger talents the chance to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a tangible contribution and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international obligations 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 additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those objectives during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the defending champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals mutual commitment to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations