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 moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class matches at an outstanding 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 become a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 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 maintain their status among the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, emphasising Tongue’s importance to the team 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 possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance 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 track record following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of sustained quality, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven first-class matches at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the technical prowess and mental resilience 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 Test international for England with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Title-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire was 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 first County Championship title since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket performances, showcasing his ability to deliver match-deciding displays when the pressure is greatest. These efforts were crucial to ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship glory, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue maintain his form where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he claimed two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ objectives. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the highest domestic level, whilst simultaneously maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they bid to maintain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been strikingly quick. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast 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 undermines his relative inexperience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test arena has been seamless, highlighting the technical refinement and psychological resilience needed to perform against the world’s elite batsmen in various formats and different conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s calibre came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia last winter, where he proved to be one of the notable positives in an decidedly disappointing campaign. Claiming 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 debut Test five-wicket haul in that match demonstrated his ability to perform under considerable pressure, producing the kind of match-winning 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 backs long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has voiced his backing for Tongue’s commitment, appreciating the importance of maintaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that possessing England Test cricketers on the county circuit provides concrete gains to the wider squad, giving younger talents the opportunity to gain experience alongside and compete alongside elite performers. The coach’s comments reflect Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence serving as both a tangible contribution and an motivational leader for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a considerable show of faith from both parties, cementing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international commitments with domestic duties, the club can confidently build their bowling approach 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 promises to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises importance of international players raising squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory highlights measurable playing-field contributions to success
- 3-year deal reflects shared dedication to sustained excellence and future silverware aspirations