England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will see him remain at Trent Bridge until at least the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His performances were instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 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 key member of the England Test squad.
England player prolongs Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at continuing his partnership with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development 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 eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals mutual confidence between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “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 commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his quality within the bowling group provides confidence for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s aspirations to compete for trophies whilst nurturing players for England.
Remarkable record since the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has established himself as one of the county’s premier fast 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 settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating 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 acknowledging his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 dismissals in 7 first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for the player and the club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he captured an extraordinary 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire secured their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar 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 victory over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further highlighting his importance to the reigning champions’ objectives. The bowler’s capacity to deliver reliably at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the world stage has been remarkably swift. Making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a fixture in England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches demonstrates a level of consistency that belies his comparative lack of experience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been seamless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true measure 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. Taking 18 wickets over his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket performance in that match showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, providing the kind of match-winning bowling displays that England desperately needed 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 supports long-term vision
Head coach Peter Moores has demonstrated his keen support of Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the value of retaining a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit delivers concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence acting as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s future plans. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international obligations with domestic duties, the club can securely construct their bowling approach around his presence and established match-winning ability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience central to those ambitions during what looks set 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 last season’s Championship victory highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects mutual commitment to continued high performance and trophy aspirations