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 through to no later than 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, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an outstanding 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, 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 player prolongs Trent Bridge tenure
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since joining 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 positive trajectory of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakout season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to maintain their status among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract extension, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a genuine advantage to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended 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.
Impressive record since moving in 2024
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of sustained quality, with 33 wickets taken across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly 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 acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire was transformative for both player and club. Featuring in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to breaking the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his significance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to retain their championship status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s rise to prominence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already established himself as a fixture in England’s bowling attack. His record of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, displaying the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour of Australia the previous winter, where he established himself as one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Capturing 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue played a crucial role in England’s singular triumph of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His first Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under intense pressure, producing the type of 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 backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, recognising the significance of keeping a existing international player within the squad. Moores stressed that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the wider squad, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments demonstrate Nottinghamshire’s strategic approach to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource 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 cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the fast bowler demonstrating his capacity to juggle international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for additional silverware, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise central to those objectives during what looks set to be a pivotal period for the defending champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship win highlights measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations