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 cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from his previous club Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, claiming 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 become a key member of the England Test squad.
England star renews Trent Bridge stay
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm 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 pace bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the upward path 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 the top tier of English cricket.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed 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 established international cricketers at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the possibilities our sport presents,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for future seasons. The retention of an established England international reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable record following the 2024 transfer
Since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics paint a compelling picture of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets accumulated across seven top-tier games 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 succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors recognising his credentials as a key part of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches following his 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates skill and consistency with the ball
- Already a nine-cap England Test international with 49 wickets
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire 2025 County Championship title
Championship-winning campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign 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 remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally comprised three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in breaking the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has played in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an invaluable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to maintain their title status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already secured his position as a key part of England’s bowling unit. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches reflects a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s progression from county cricket to the Test stage has been smooth, highlighting the technical excellence and mental fortitude 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 proved to be one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Claiming 18 wickets in his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s only win of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His maiden Test five-wicket haul in that match showcased his knack for performing under intense pressure, delivering the type of match-winning bowling displays that England sorely 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, recognising the importance 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 broader playing group, providing younger talents the opportunity to develop by working with and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their championship-winning status, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The three-year extension demonstrates a substantial expression of confidence from both sides, cementing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his capacity to juggle international commitments with county responsibilities, the club can securely construct their bowling strategy around his availability and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for further honours, with Tongue’s calibre and expertise integral to those ambitions during what looks set to be a crucial phase for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of international players elevating squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s influence on last season’s Championship win demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to sustained excellence and trophy aspirations