Official Steelbacks Cricket Magazine

JUNE / JULY 2011£3.00

SCORECARDS INCLUDED INSIDE

THE STEELBACK MAGAZINE - 2011 03

MARK TAGG - WELCOME TO THE COUNTY GROUND 04

DAVID CAPEL - ‘WE ARE FIGHTERS’ 07 - 09

ANDREW HALL - ‘ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN’ 10/11

t20 REVIEW OF 2010 CAMPAIGN 13/14

STEELBACKS t20 PLAYERS TO WATCH 15

2011 t20 DANGER MEN 17

LEICESTERSHIRE FIXTURE PROFILE 22/23

DURHAM FIXTURE PROFILE 24/25

WARWICKSHIRE FIXTURE PROFILE 26/27

DERBYSHIRE FIXTURE PROFILE 28/29

FIXTURE SCORECARDS 30 - 45

WORCESTERSHIRE FIXTURE PROFILE 46/47

YORKSHIRE FIXTURE PROFILE 48/49

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FIXTURE PROFILE 50/51

LANCASHIRE FIXTURE PROFILE 52/53

NORTHANTS VS. INDIA PROFILE 54/55

CHAMINDA VAAS - ‘I WANT TO PLAY BETTER THAN BEFORE’ 61 - 63

JACK BROOKS - ‘WE’LL CARRY ON SURPRISING’ 64/65

NCCC PLAYER PROFILES AND AUTOGRAPH PAGES 66/67

NCCC FIXTURE LIST 2011 72/73

NCCC DISABILITY CRICKET 74

CONTENTS PAGEWITHIN THIS ISSUE

MARK TAGGWELCOME TO THE COUNTY GROUND

Times are tough but sport and especially cricket can raise all our spirits. We go into the next few weeks full of optimism and I do not believe that this ismisplaced. We are now an experienced and successful Twenty20 outfit with world classoverseas players who can specialise in this, the most thrilling form of the game.

We are delighted to welcome Johan Botha to Northants, fresh from his IPL experienceand an ideal replacement for Nicky Boje, who served us so well in recent seasons.

Cricket, and especially Twenty20, is a squad game with 16 matches in such a short periodof time. Competitive teams need all their squad experienced and capable of playing andcontributing with bat, ball and increasingly in the field. The injuries that we sustainedduring last year’s campaign could have made us better placed to face this year; youngerplayers got opportunities, and are now pushing the established stars for places.

To be successful we need a combination of good players, leadership, pitches,luck and increasingly great support. This ground is capable of creating a hostileatmosphere as Dominic Cork commented on when referring to that great night when wedefended just 134 in the rearranged quarter final against the Hawks on 30th July 2009.Hampshire lost their last four wickets without adding a run as the noise grew and thepassions demanded the best from Andrew Hall and Johan van der Wath.

Last year we started poorly with three defeats, but a great run-in brought us to anotherquarter final, this time at Taunton where we unfortunately fell short.I think we can all see how important a good group stage is, we need to get into a position where a home quarter final is a possibility. To do this we need to get off to a good start and so each of the eight home games are vital.

Your support at each of the games (including Milton Keynes) will make the difference,and between us the Steelbacks can represent Northamptonshire with pride and passionworthy of the Men of Steel.

WELCOME STEELBACKS FANS,

MARK TAGG, NCCC CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NORTHANTSCRICKET.COM04

‘WE ARE NOW AN EXPERIENCED AND SUCCESSFULTWENTY20 OUTFIT WITH WORLD CLASS OVERSEASPLAYERS WHO CAN SPECIALISE IN THIS, THE MOSTTHRILLING FORM OF THE GAME.’

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DAVID CAPEL

The ethos of ‘Steelbacking’ is clearly displayed in Northants’ Head Coach DavidCapel’s views and opinions on the talented squad he has built here at theCounty Ground over the years.

The former England all-rounder, who was once dubbed ‘the next Ian Botham’,has been an integral part of the fabric of Northamptonshire County CricketClub for over 30 years – working his way from youth team player to Englandinternational to head coach of a proud cricketing County.

David has seen the introduction of Twenty20 cricket and watched as theformat swept its way through the game at all levels. This knowledge hashelped him lead a side that has earned a good reputation in the shortestformat – achieving numerous quarter finals berths and a Finals Dayappearance in the process.

It is this form and the Steelbacks’ growing t20 reputation that has ledmembers of the media to label the County as ‘Dark Horses’ for t20 glory, a tagDavid seems comfortable with. “I don’t mind that tag at all. Dark horses are alot better than also-rans or no-hopers. I think it’s a nice tag to have actually. It’snice when we can beat all-comers every time, but that doesn’t always happen,however we always manage to fight our way into contention. I’m proud of ourperformances over the past five years. I’d like to think that we are as strong, ifnot a little stronger than we were in past seasons.

“There are reasons for us to be optimistic, reasons for us to be confident andtherefore the dark horses tag sits comfortably for us.”

David continued to reiterate the club’s aims and expectations, when he said,“What we can do is equal our past performance in as much as getting to thequarter final, like we have done in four of the last five years.

We’ve managed to get to the semi-final on one occasion too. We want to emulatethat by working hard to get to the quarters, then pushing to get into the FinalsDay. That is our ambition.

2010 saw an epic rollercoaster of a campaign for Capel’s charges and he waspleased with the ‘exciting brand of cricket’ on show. David was also impressedwith the team’s effort and commitment to the cause. “I think it showed us on acouple of occasions last season, what with Andrew Hall’s heroics at Trent Bridgeand Nicky Boje pulling off 12 runs off the final ball here to tie an amazing matchagainst Yorkshire, that we are fighters.”

“We never give up and are wholehearted in our approach to t20 cricket. Lastseason showed that we will never give in, that’s for certain! We found ourselves intight spots on numerous occasions and invariably, if not all the time, we pulledthrough. That’s something I’m proud of –the indomitable spirit, the never-say-dieattitude. It’s one of our biggest strengths.”

David has overseen the signing of two world class players for the Steelbacks ranksin Johan Botha and Chaminda Vaas for this season’s Friends Life t20 campaign.After last season, David moved quickly to secure Chaminda for the 2011 season –and ‘Capes’ is confident both will prove to be vital components in the Steelbacks’charge for Finals Day.

‘WE ARE FIGHTERS’

‘WE NEVER GIVE UP AND AREWHOLEHEARTED IN OUR APPROACH TO T20CRICKET. LAST SEASON SHOWED THAT WEWILL NEVER GIVE IN, THAT’S FOR CERTAIN!WE FOUND OURSELVES IN TIGHT SPOTS ONNUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND INVARIABLY, IFNOT ALL THE TIME, WE PULLED THROUGH.’

“Johan showed us some of the things he is capable of in the World Cup. His batting in particular has really come on. I believe he is a very shrewd, canny off-spin bowler where he has a lot of command over the flight and lengthof the ball.

He is a very wise cricketer and a hugely competitive one at that. Johan is alsovery good in the field and will add to that tenacious attitude here at the club. I’msure he will prove to be a very serious campaigner for us and will add somethingextra to our squad.

“Chaminda showed us all last year what a superb cricketer he is and, by winningthe Most Valuable t20 Player award by a country mile, was testament to hisabilities. This just goes to show what type high quality performer he truly is.

Head coach since 2006, David has seen a drastic change in the squadcomposition. Four seasons ago there were no less than seven South Africans onthe County’s books, and now there is a real emergence of fine English talent withthe likes of David Willey, Alex Wakely, David Murphy, Rob Newton and BenHowgego all impressing in first team action. The youthful look of the squad isbalanced out with the likes of experienced heads such as David Sales, Mal Loyeand Andrew Hall.

“I like the blend,” said David of the squad, “It showed through perfectly over thepast couple of years, when you get players such as Alex Wakely and David Willeyin there. David Murphy came in and performed superbly, showing all theconfidence and performed all his duties well.

“That’s the kind of stage that is there for the youngsters. I’ve been pleased andproud for them, that they have been well equipped to do their job and havegone out and done it. Let’s hope for more of the same and, who knows, maybesome more youngsters can come through as well this season.”

Twenty20 Cricket is the most pressurised of all the cricket formats and for Davidthat is no different, but as he says, “I actually really enjoy it! All my hard work is usually done well in advance. The planning and preparation is done way beforethe match. I get to watch it unfold and that is enjoyable and exciting.

‘IT SHOWED US ON A COUPLE OFOCCASIONS LAST SEASON, WHAT WITH

ANDREW HALL’S HEROICS AT TRENTBRIDGE AND NICKY BOJE PULLING OFF 12RUNS OFF THE FINAL BALL HERE TO TIE ANAMAZING MATCH AGAINST YORKSHIRE,

THAT WE ARE FIGHTERS’



‘THERE ARE REASONS FOR US TO BEOPTIMISTIC, REASONS FOR US TO BECONFIDENT AND THEREFORE THE DARKHORSES TAG SITS COMFORTABLY FOR US.’

“Yes there are a few decisions to make here and there, and I have to make them on my feetand quickly. But I enjoy that, being part of the communication with the captain, beinginvolved with it. It’s certainly something I look forward to in the summer. Twenty20 cricketis different but it’s as much a part of County cricket now and as enjoyable as the rest.”

After the long Friends Life t20 campaign has played out, Northants will be able to enjoy a two-day tourist match against the current World Champions India, and David spokeabout the opportunities a headline match like this can present a player looking to make it into the first XI.

“It’s always a great occasion. The players must love it when the tourists come along. I knowI’m really looking forward to a competitive match against the current World Champions.There should be some opportunities for younger cricketers to enjoy this experience. Yousaw what happened two years ago with the Australians. What a debut Jack Brooks made!Hopefully there will be a big crowd inside the County ground to enjoy the match.

“You saw Alex Wakely captain against Pakistan last year and I’m sure he enjoyed thatexperience. These tour matches are always positive. It’s great for the crowd to see some of the household names of cricket – I’m sure they can’t wait to see the Indian ‘gods’ ofcricket play.”

For the Northampton-born coach, the Steelbacks’ drive for success will continue to beparamount - success that could be just around the corner for Northants if they build onthe positives from of recent t20 campaigns.

Brendan Gilbert

DAVID CAPEL CONTINUED...

PREMIER JEWELLERL O V E S E R V I C E L O V E S T E F F A N S

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ANDREW HALLIf Mike Hussey is Australia’s ‘Mr. Cricket’ and Johan Botha is South Africa’s, thenAndrew Hall should be the Steelbacks’ ‘Mr t20 cricket’. The captain is not only a vital part of the Steelbacks’ game plan, he’s the one who will lead the teaminto battle against the might of the Friends Life t20 North Group.

Andrew has come back from a winter in Zimbabwe, where he played for andcoached Mashonaland Eagles – leading them to t20 glory and the 35-year-oldis under no illusions as to what the Steelbacks want to achieve. The all-rounderstated: “We have to get to the quarter-finals. That’s a realistic plan for us tohave, and from there, if we play well in the quarters like we did a couple ofyears ago, we will end up at Finals day.

Over the past couple of years I think we have proven ourselves to a be a formidable t20 cricket team. With the quality of the players we have here at Northants, and the all-round squad we have, I think the very least weshould aim for is the quarter finals.”

The skipper seems confident of his team mates’ abilities and is unconcernedwhen it comes to the labelling of the club’s chances in the media.

“I don’t really look into those things when it comes to t20 cricket. Anythingcan happen on any given day. All you need is one player to play well and thatcan turn the game in your favour. In the past we have shown that we havemassive match winners in the squad.

We need to play the brand of cricket that we have played so far this season and I think that if the national newspapers have us down as dark horses, it shows thatthey are beginning to realise that if we hit the ground running we can be a forceto be reckoned with. Other teams will see that and will be wary of us this year.”

2011 represents the South African’s first full season as captain, a season whereAndrew is determined to make a big impression on the Steelbacks, the supportersand the Friends Life t20.

“I don’t just want to leave a mark on this competition, but on every player,coach and supporter of this club. As this is my first full season here, I’ve beengiven a better definition of my role as captain. ‘Capes’ and I have done a lotof talking over the winter about how we are going to run the team, andat the moment things are going really well. The guys are in a good place, there is great team cohesion and the guys are allworking for one result. It’s great to see!

It was important to get everyone back on the same page andnow I’ve been in the role for a while, I’ve been able to sitdown with all of the players and make sure they knowwhat we what to achieve this year.”

After a poor start in last season’s competition, theJohannesburg-born right hander is certain of one thing –the need to keep winning. “We need the samemomentum and the same intensity the whole waythrough this year’s Friends Life t20 campaign,” he says,“That momentum could prove vital.”

A vastly experienced cricketer, Hall has been thereon the biggest stage against the toughestopponents and has continued to learn a gamehe’s been part of for 17 years.

‘ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN’

‘WE HAVE PROVEN OURSELVES TO BE A FORMIDABLE T20 CRICKET TEAM. WITH THEQUALITY OF THE PLAYERS WE HAVE HERE ATNORTHANTS, AND THE ALL-ROUND SQUAD WEHAVE, I THINK THE VERY LEAST WE SHOULDAIM FOR IS THE QUARTER FINALS.’

If experience has told the all-rounder anything it’s: “to make sure that the playersunderstand that we can win from any situation. That’s what we did a couple ofseasons ago when we made it to Finals day and it’s sort of what we did lastseason as well. We got ourselves into a couple of tough situations and wemanaged to pull out of them very nicely.

“We have quite a few experienced players,” added the seamer about the squadhere at the County Ground, “and some young players that are coming throughand showing some good potential. This season has seen the lads work very hardand get into the right frame of mind. Hopefully the youngsters can start puttingin some big performances along the way. If they keep going as they are therewill be a very bright future in store for the club.”

One player bound to have an impact for the Steelbacks is Hall’scountryman Johan Botha who, as the Steelbacks 2nd overseassigning, will attract the supporter’s attention. The captain said ofhis new team mate: “Johan could be massive for us. He is a fantasticcricketer, super competitive, works very hard and is great in the field.He is a top player and we all saw his performances at the recent WorldCup with the bat, ball and in the field. He is a match winner. From ourpoint of view, it is imperative that we try and get the most out of him thatwe can and that he is allowed to show what he can do.”

Hall finished off with a nod to the fans ahead of what will be a crucial sixweek period for the Steelbacks: “When we get a big crowd in, they become a 12th man on the field and help lift the players to greater things – I willnever forget that quarter final here two years ago– that atmosphere waselectric! With the fan’s support, we can achieve our aim. We’ve done it inthe past and have shown that we are a good team playing excitingcricket. We have to remain positive throughout the campaign and wecan’t let any pressure get to us. It’s going to be exciting, that’s for sure!”

Brendan Gilbert

‘THE PLAYERS UNDERSTAND THAT WE CANWIN FROM ANY SITUATION. THAT’S WHAT

WE DID A COUPLE OF SEASONS AGOWHEN WE MADE IT TO FINALS DAY’


T20 REVIEW OF 2010 CAMPAIGN

As I packed my laptop away in the poky Taunton press box, feeling shell-shocked at Northants’ brutal quarter final defeat at the hands of thecompetition’s runners-up Somerset, it made me think about what had beena truly exciting, white knuckle ride of a Friends Provident t20 campaign thatsaw the Steelbacks edge their way to a 4th quarter final in five seasons.

The campaign was a perfect demonstration of the club’s proud nickname; the team showed nerves of steel to get to Taunton before the occasionunravelled the County’s Finals Day charge for one more season.

To get to the minimum aim of a quarter final berth was an achievement afterthe Steelbacks opening three matches ended in three morale-sapping defeats– Warwickshire proved too strong at Edgbaston, winning by 8 wickets via thebatting of Darren Maddy. Local rivals Leicestershire registered a 12-run victoryat the County Ground, and Lancashire inflicted a heavy 69-run defeat onNorthants, to leave the Steelbacks languishing at the bottom of the NorthGroup table.

Cue the change that turned the tables – Sri Lankan Chaminda Vaas waspromoted to open the innings in a pinch hitting role. The move paid offemphatically as the left hander plundered 412 runs in the competition to goalongside his 23 wickets. It is of no surprise that the County moved quickly tosecure his services for the entirety of the 2011 season.

The Steelbacks won by 21 runs against Worcestershire, Vaas smashing his 1st half century of the campaign, before beating Yorkshire on their own turf by 14 runs, Jack Brooks the hero as he took 3 wickets to secure the win in therain-affected match.

Those victories were followed by a victory over rivals Leicestershire at GraceRoad by 10 runs – Chaminda Vaas scoring another 50 to help the Steelbacksexact revenge for the earlier defeat by Leicestershire.

The defeat to Derbyshire in front of a good County Ground crowd was possiblythe most disappointing of the competition for Northants. Having bowledterrifically in restricting the Falcons to just 109, the Steelbacks limped to 100-8 offtheir 20 overs, even though Vaas and Alex Wakely scored 65 between them.Progressing to the knock out stages looked beyond the Steelbacks at this point in the competition.

Onto Trent Bridge and the Steelbacks scraped a draw against a toughNottinghamshire outfit. Andrew Hall and Alex Wakely batted well to leadNorthants to 121 from 20 overs. In reply, the Outlaws needed 5 off the last over towin. Yorker after Yorker from death bowling expert Andrew Hall restricted Notts toa share of the spoils.

Sanath Jayasuriya was in lethal form when the Steelbacks travelled to New Road,to help Worcestershire to a 9 wicket victory and leave the Steelbacks with only aslim hope of advancing in the competition. The Sri Lankan’s 87 helped astruggling Royals side record their 1st win in six matches as they remained bottomof the pile.

Durham were blown away by the Steelbacks, who recorded a superb 30-runvictory – Vaas notching up 70 runs in a brutal display of pinch hitting, beforeYorkshire arrived at the County Ground for a game that saw Richard Pyrah’s lastball of the match go down in t20 history. Needing 13 to win of the final ball, theSteelbacks snatched the most unlikely point as NickyBoje smacked Pyrah’s no ball for a massive six, beforehitting a four from the re-bowl. Chaminda Vaas (53)and David Sales (49) batted superbly to help theSteelbacks into a commanding position as they chasedYorkshire’s mammoth 180, courtesy of a fantasticcentury from Herschelle Gibbs.

WHITE KNUCKLE RIDE FOR STEELBACKS FANS


It was the 2nd tie for the Steelbacks of the campaign and, following a 6 wicketdefeat at the hands of Warwickshire, they were at it again! The Outlaws scraped apoint as Northants struggled to get past the winning post. Notts posted 144 asDavid Willey took 3 wickets before the Steelbacks, again led by the battingbrilliance of Vaas, replied with the same score. Jack Brooks scrambled therequired 2 runs off the final ball to draw, after three run outs in the last over.

The Steelbacks hold the record of the most ties in a t20 season, and followedthat with three brilliant performances to seal three wins – 6 points that got themto Taunton. Lancashire succumbed to a batting barrage from Rob White, whoscored a quick fire 80 to lead his team mates to an 11-run win at Northampton.Overseas signing Elton Chigumbura took 4-14 to help the Steelbacks disposeof Derbyshire by 43 runs and Rob White hit 60 to beat Durham by 7 wickets.

On to Taunton, looking for a 2nd Finals Day appearance in a row and the engine ground a halt in the Somerset sun,the quarter final proving to be one game too many.

The Steelbacks can look back on last season’scampaign with pride, dismay, delight andbewilderment in equal measure – one thing I know for sure is that when the Steelbackstake to the field, anything can happen!

Brendan Gilbert

GROUP STAGEWARWICKSHIRE LOST BY 8 WICKETSLEICESTERSHIRE LOST BY 12 RUNSLANCASHIRE LOST BY 69 RUNSWORCESTERSHIRE WON BY 22 RUNSYORKSHIRE WON BY 14 RUNS (D/L METHOD)LEICESTERSHIRE WON BY 10 RUNSDERBYSHIRE LOST BY 9 RUNSNOTTINGHAMSHIRE TIEDWORCESTERSHIRE LOST BY 9 WICKETSDURHAM WON BY 30 RUNSYORKSHIRE TIEDWARWICKSHIRE LOST BY 6 WICKETSNOTTINGHAMSHIRE TIEDLANCASHIRE WON BY 11 RUNSDERBYSHIRE WON BY 43 RUNSDURHAM WON BY 7 WICKETSQUARTER FINALSOMERSET LOST BY 7 WICKETS

‘THE CAMPAIGN WAS A PERFECTDEMONSTRATION OF THE CLUB’S PROUDNICKNAME; THE TEAM SHOWED NERVES

OF STEEL TO GET TO TAUNTON.’


BRENDAN GILBERT


T20 PLAYERS TO WATCHSTEELBACKS

Chaminda VAAS

Johan BOTHA

Robert WHITE

David WILLEY

DoB 27/01/1976ROLE BowlerBATTING STYLE Left HandedBOWLING STYLE Left Arm Medium Fast

Chaminda was in sensational form for the Steelbacks during lastseason’s t20 campaign. The experienced Sri Lankan plundered 412runs and took 23 wickets as he was named the competition’s Player ofthe Year by both the Steelbacks and the PCA. Expect the wilycampaigner to open the Steelbacks’ innings with the bat and lead theline with the ball. If Chaminda performs as he did last year, then hecould help fire the Steelbacks all the way to Friends Life t20 glory.

DoB 02/05/1982ROLE BowlerBATTING STYLE Right HandedBOWLING STYLE Right Arm Off Break

Signed as the Steelbacks’ 2nd overseas signing, Johan is a highlycompetitive all-rounder who will add amazing fielding, reliable lowerorder batting and tricky off spin into the Steelbacks’ equation. The 28-year-old will add a vast amount of experience, earned from 100 ODI and T20 appearances for South Africa – the spinner is nowcaptaining his country in both forms of the game. Johan could light upthe Steelbacks’ 2011 campaign by adding that ultra competitive edgeto the County’s line up.

DoB 15/10/1979ROLE BatsmanBATTING STYLE Right HandedBOWLING STYLE Leg Spin

On his day, Rob has the potential to be the most potent of all theSteelbacks’ big-hitting batsman. His brilliant knock of 80 againstLancashire last year made sure of victory as the 31-year-oldunleashed an powerful array of shots to dominate the Lightning’sbowlers. The Stowe School educated right-handed batsman hasscored over 1100 runs in t20 and his experience, gained from 55appearances in the shortest format of the game, could prove to bevital for the Steelbacks’ middle order to fire.

DoB 28/02/1990ROLE All RounderBATTING STYLE Left HandedBOWLING STYLE Left Arm Medium Fast

The youngster enjoyed a stellar introduction to t20 cricket in 2009, as his bowling helped drive the Steelbacks’ to their first t20 Finals Dayappearance. David could be an all-round hero for the Steelbacks withhis left arm seam and determined lower order batting. His biggest asset is his economy rates with the ball in hand and the Northampton-born all-rounder makes sure the opposition find it difficult to clear the ropes in the middle overs.

2011 T20 DANGER MENFL t20 PREVIEW

THIS SEASON’S FRIENDS LIFE T20 IS SET TO BE ANOTHER FEAST OF ENTERTAINMENT,SO WE AT THE STEELBACK MAGAZINE HAVE SELECTED FOUR STAR CRICKETERS TOWATCH OUT FOR IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION. MARK PECK

Andrew MCDONALD

BORN Victoria, AustraliaAGE 29TOTAL t20 RUNS 749HIGHEST t20 SCORE 67SIXES HIT 19WICKETS 50 @ 20.50

The red-haired Australian internationalall-rounder struck 174 runs in just threematches of last season’s competition,including a nifty 49 from 35 ballsagainst the Steelbacks at the County Ground. He also took sevenwickets during the campaign, includinga match-winning 5-13 against theOutlaws at Trent Bridge. McDonaldenjoys playing against Northants andonce hit a fine 75, opening the battingagainst the County in the 2009 Ashestour match.

LEICESTERSHIRE FOXESALL-ROUNDER

LEICESTERSHIRE

David HUSSEY

BORN Perth, AustraliaAGE 33TOTAL t20 RUNS 3476HIGHEST t20 SCORE 100*SIXES HIT 149WICKETS 39 @ 27.64

Another Aussie international lightingup the Twenty20 Cup scoreboards,Hussey hit 481 runs in last season’scompetition, including three fifties,one of which was a classy 81against the Warwickshire Bears. An aggressive batsman, Hussey hasbags of experience in this formatthanks to his crash, bang, wallopstyle of batting, sharp fieldingand tidy off-break bowling.Hussey hit a fine 71 fromjust 34 balls against theSteelbacks in the T20Cup back in 2006.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE OUTLAWSALL-ROUNDER

Tom SMITH

BORN Liverpool, MerseysideAGE 25TOTAL t20 RUNS 765HIGHEST t20 SCORE 92*SIXES HIT 17WICKETS 28 @ 24.64

Some of you may not know this Liverpool-born youngster, having only been on the scenesince 2006. However, Smith was one of the leading lights of lastseason’s competition, scoring543 runs (fourth highest scorerand highest for Lancashire) andtaking 13 wickets with the ball. An England academy player,Smith struck a match-winning67 from 47 balls against the Steelbacks at Old Trafford last year.

LANCASHIRE LIGHTNINGALL-ROUNDER

Adil RASHID

BORN Bradford, YorkshireAGE 23TOTAL t20 RUNS 210HIGHEST t20 SCORE 34SIXES HIT 3WICKETS 59 @ 17.69

Young England international Rashidis relatively inexperienced, but has started to find his feet in thiscompetition and this was reflectedin last season’s statistics. Rashidtook 26 wickets in last year’scampaign, including a fine 4-20 against Leicestershire, andhe also struck 128 runs withthe bat. The Yorkshireman hasa number of first-classcenturies to his name to add to a hugetally of wickets and kick-started thisseason with match figures of 11-114against Worcestershire.

YORKSHIRE CARNEGIELEG-SPIN BOWLER


Vs.STEELBACKSFRIDAY 3 JUNE 2011, 6.50PM STARTCOUNTY GROUND, NORTHAMPTON

Vs.STEELBACKSFRIDAY 1 JULY 2011, 6.50PM STARTCOUNTY GROUND, NORTHAMPTON

Vs.STEELBACKSFRIDAY 8 JULY 2011, 6.50PM STARTCOUNTY GROUND, NORTHAMPTON

Vs.STEELBACKSTUESDAY 12 JULY 2011, 5.40PM STARTCOUNTY GROUND, NORTHAMPTON


LEICESTERSHIRE

LEICESTERSHIRE FOXESFL t20 PROFILE

Winning the 2004 and 2006 Twenty20 cups meansLeicestershire are still the most successful side in the historyof the domestic competition. However, they have struggledrecently, failing to progress from the group stage for fouryears in a row now. New captain Matthew Hoggard hasmade it clear that the cut backs and a smaller squad will notdiscourage the Foxes this summer.

The wafer thin squad of 20 is made up by three countystalwarts in Hoggard, Claude Henderson and Paul Nixon,and balanced out by a myriad of up and coming youth.Nathan Buck is one of the most promising of theseyoungsters bowling with good pace and impressing so far inhis short career.

Andrew McDonald returns for Leicestershire as the overseasplayer for 2011. The tall all-rounder from Victoria made a bigimpression in 2010, none more so than when he and JamesTaylor put on a record 4th wicket partnership of 360 againstMiddlesex. The Australian boasts handy first class statisticsaveraging nearly 40 with the bat and under 30 with the ball.His nagging seam bowling and hard hitting has earned him

a handful of caps for Australia, and makes him a key playerin the shortest form of the game.

Claude Henderson will once again be the ‘go-to man’ withthe ball. The South African left-arm spinner has 71 Twenty20wickets with a superb economy rate of 6.90. Although theFoxes have turned to a new policy in bringing young playersthrough, it will be important that 38-year-old Henderson isin good form should they wish to make the quarter finals.Josh Cobb follows the footsteps of Stuart Broad as anOakham schoolboy going on to play for the first team atGrace Road. He will hope to open the batting alongsidehard-hitting Jacques Du Toit to form an exciting partnership.

Although there have been problems off of the pitch,Hoggard and his men have enough talent and variation tocause an upset or two, especially in the 20-over format. Ifthe key men can stay fit, they may well be fighting for a finals day place this year.

Jonathan Dunne

HOME GROUND - GRACE ROAD, LEICESTER

‘IF THE KEY MEN CAN STAY FIT, THEY MAY WELL BE FIGHTINGFOR A FINALS DAY PLACE THIS YEAR.’

Alex WAKELYJames TAYLOR

HEAD TO HEAD

BORN Hammersmith, LondonAGE 22TOTAL t20 RUNS 473HIGHEST t20 SCORE 55SIXES HIT 3

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STEELBACKS

BORN Nottingham, NottinghamshireAGE 21TOTAL t20 RUNS 644HIGHEST t20 SCORE 62*SIXES HIT 16

LEICESTERSHIRE FOXES

At 5ft 5in, James ‘titchy’ Taylor is the smallest cricketer on the county circuit,but don’t let that fool you. What he lacks in inches, he more than makes upfor in hand-eye coordination and courage.The 2009 PCA Young Player of the Year has racked up 1,000 plus runs in thelast two first class seasons, scoring eight hundreds along the way. His low centre of gravity, flexible wrists and quick feet mean he is able to playshots all around the wicket from unorthodox positions. He is strong at thecut and pull shot and favours facing the fast men who will bowl short to himat their peril. His T20 average of 32.20 and strike rate of 118.16 are a good return for theEngland Lions batsman. In fact, Taylor seems to have found the professionalgame so easy to date that a full England call up may not be far from hisgrasp. Geoff Miller will surely have his number close by.With bat in hand, Taylor is one of the most exciting and creative players onthe circuit. He has now become the most consistent player in Leicestershire’sbatting order.

Alex is another young man brimming with talent, and he may havediscovered the formula to fulfil his potential in 2011. Making his debut for the Northamptonshire 2nd XI at the age of 15, may have put too muchpressure on him to succeed at a young age. But now more mature and a regular member of the first team squad, he is living up to his hype.Alex’s stature is the complete opposite to Taylor’s. At well over 6ft with a strong frame, he is an intimidating figure to bowl at. Put this along withhis classical style of play and you have a real prospect for Twenty20 cricket.He can bully the bowling with ease when on top of his game, using hisreach to hit the ball hard on the up.The former England under-19 captain can also contribute with the ball inthe one-day game. His off breaks have so far claimed some prize scalpsincluding Brad Hodge and Marcus Trescothick.There is a touch of Michael Vaughan’s grace, mixed in with a hint of thechest-puffed Matthew Hayden to Alex’s batting, meaning he has plenty of admirers. His record in T20 is modest so far with an average of 23.65,but he has every shot in the book and the belief to make his mark for theSteelbacks this summer.



DURHAM DYNAMOSFL t20 PROFILE

Having been one of the best sides in the LV= CountyChampionship in recent years, Durham have found it hardto transfer their success in the four-day game into thisformat. However, they did make the semi-finals in 2008,followed by the quarter-finals the year after, but theirfailure to progress past the group stages last season andthe form they showed during the course of the competitioncame as disappointments. Just four wins in 16 games was never going to be enoughto qualify and although they were a little unlucky losingfour matches to the weather, fans will be expecting animprovement this time around. Durham lost every gameagainst Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and both gamesagainst the Steelbacks last season, finishing second frombottom of the North Group.The Dynamos, who will be captained by Dale Benkensteinfor limited-overs cricket, have signed South Africaninternational David Miller for this competition exclusively.The 21-year-old has already made six Twenty20appearances for his country, averaging 41 with the bat. A big-hitting, aggressive batsman, Miller is moulded for this competition and should prove a handful foropposing bowlers.

Paul Collingwood’s retirement from Test cricket will allowhim to make more appearances and this will be a massiveboost to Durham. The victorious 2010 Twenty20 World Cupcaptain will not only provide valuable runs and excellentfielding but he also has bags of experience. However, Durham will miss overseas duo Albie Morkel and Ross Taylor, who both performed well for Geoff Cook’sside last term.Little has changed in the bowling department, but this is anarea where Durham have remained strong. Neil Killeen hasretired and Luke Evans has joined the Steelbacks but withthe likes of Steve and Ben Harmison, Graham Onions, whomay or may not appear due to England commitments, andLiam Plunkett, Durham have a battery of fast bowlers withexperience to cause most sides trouble. Add to that GarethBreese, Scott Borthwick and Ian Blackwell, who are all morethan capable spin bowlers, and you have a balanced anddangerous attack. As long as their batsmen find some formand injuries do not blight the team, Durham have a sidecapable of succeeding in this competition.

Mark Peck

HOME GROUND - EMIRATES DURHAM INTERNATIONAL, COUNTY DURHAM

‘AS LONG AS THEIR BATSMEN FIND SOME FORM ANDINJURIES DO NOT BLIGHT THE TEAM, DURHAM HAVE A SIDECAPABLE OF SUCCEEDING IN THIS COMPETITION.’

Luke EVANSStephen HARMISON

HEAD TO HEAD

BORN Sunderland, DurhamAGE 24WICKETS 12 @ 29.00t20 MATCHES 0ECONOMY RATE 3.77


BORN Ashington, NorthumberlandAGE 32WICKETS 29 @ 23.03t20 MATCHES 28ECONOMY RATE 7.93

DURHAM DYNAMOS

The tall, fast bowling, England international is now a regular member of theDurham side having been dropped from the England Test squad back in2009 after 63 Test appearances. A member of the 2005 and 2009 Asheswinning sides, Harmison took a while to adjust to Twenty20 cricket, buthaving taken 14 wickets in last season’s competition, including a fine 5-41 against Lancashire at Old Trafford, he has proved he can succeed in this format. A former World No. 1 bowler and 2005 Wisden Cricketer of the Year,Harmison has 226 Test wickets to his name and 690 first-class victims but hewill always be remembered for that devastating spell of bowling at SabinaPark in Jamaica back in 2004 when he took 7-12 and England blew away theWest Indies for just 47.

Durham born and bred, Luke Evans joined the Steelbacks from Durhamlast season on loan, and having impressed coach David Capel, he signedfor the club full-time during the winter. The 24-year-old has yet to make a Friends Life t20 appearance and hasonly played five first-class games, but he already has 12 wickets to hisname, including a fine 3-53 for Northants against Gloucestershire in lastseason’s County Championship. The seamer has also made a string of fineperformances for Durham’s 2nd XI, notably his 4-29 against Surrey 2ndslast season, after returning from his loan spell at the County Ground.

‘HARMISON TOOK A WHILE TO ADJUST TO TWENTY20 CRICKET, BUT HAVING TAKEN 14 WICKETS IN LAST SEASON'S COMPETITION, INCLUDING A FINE 5-41 AGAINST LANCASHIRE AT OLD TRAFFORD, HE HAS PROVED HE CAN SUCCEED IN THIS FORMAT.’



WARWICKSHIRE BEARSFL t20 PROFILE

Warwickshire finished top of North Group last season with11 wins from their 16 games, but they once again failed tomake it past the first knock-out stage, crashing out to theeventual champions, Hampshire Hawks, at Edgbaston.Since finishing as runners-up in 2003, Warwickshire havemade it to the quarter-finals every season bar 2006, andhave failed on every occasion to progress further. Lastseason’s fixtures against the Steelbacks proved fruitful forAshley Giles’ side as they won both games by comfortablemargins, revenging the two defeats they suffered at thehands of Capel’s men the year before.A new captain in the form of Jim Troughton and a redeveloped Edgbaston home bring a fresh look aboutthe Bears for 2011. Giles’ side were quite lucky last season inthat they had England internationals Ian Bell and JonathanTrott available for selection for most of the competition.However, with England’s test and limited over series againstSri Lanka and then India beginning in May, these two arelikely to be missing for the majority of the campaign. Bellstruck 166 runs in just four matches last term, while Trottamassed 306 runs from 12 games.

Both will be missed, as will South African internationalImran Tahir, who took 20 wickets in last year’s competition.He has gone to Hampshire but fortunately for the Bearsthere are no other significant departures to report.The signature of Ireland international William Porterfieldfrom Gloucestershire will strengthen the batting in Bell andTrott’s absence, as will Pakistan stalwart Younis Khan.Porterfield struck 180 runs in this year’s Cricket World Cupfor Ireland, including a fine 75 against eventual championsIndia, whilst Khan has bags of international and countycricket experience. The form of Chris Woakes is also a pluspoint for the Bears. Woakes, who has recently found his wayinto the England setup, is particularly strong with the balland that is where Warwickshire will need him the most.Giles will need the likes of him, Darren Maddy andyoungster Keith Barker to produce the goods with the ballif they are to break their quarter-final jinx.

Mark Peck

HOME GROUND - EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM

‘SINCE FINISHING AS RUNNERS-UP IN 2003, WARWICKSHIRE HAVEMADE IT TO THE QUARTER-FINALS EVERY SEASON BAR 2006, ANDHAVE FAILED ON EVERY OCCASION TO PROGRESS FURTHER.’

Jack BROOKSChris WOAKES

HEAD TO HEAD

BORN Oxford, OxfordshireAGE 26t20 MATCHES 35ECONOMY RATE 6.67WICKETS 12 @ 25.58


BORN Birmingham, WarwickshireAGE 22t20 MATCHES 35HIGHEST t20 SCORE 27*SIXES HIT 9WICKETS 28 @ 29.64

WARWICKSHIRE BEARS

Chris Woakes is a player with a bright future and is making rapid strides withWarwickshire. The tall, right-arm medium fast bowling all-rounder toppedthe county's bowling averages in 2008 and was soon being talked about assomeone with the ability to become a seasoned international cricketer. Still at the tender age of 22, has already made his way into the England setupand seems to be improving all the time. Woakes took 15 wickets in lastseason’s campaign including a fine 3-21 in the 6 wicket victory against theSteelbacks at the County Ground, a wicket short of his best, which was a matching-winning 4-21 against Somerset back in 2008.

Now into his third season at the County Ground, Brooks is still relativelynew to this form of cricket but has already shown he is more than capable.His 3-24 against a strong Yorkshire side at Headingley last season provedjust that. The 26-year-old former Surrey man has also proved he can be a worthwhile no. 8 or 9 batsman, having hit a fifty in last season’s County Championship against Gloucestershire.However, his two wickets in an over against the touring Australians back in 2009 will surely remain as his best career moment to date. Brooks madea blistering start to the new season when he took 4-36 (match figures of 6-88) to help Northamptonshire beat Kent by an innings and 159 runsback in April.

‘WOAKES, STILL AT THE TENDER AGE OF 22, HAS ALREADYMADE HIS WAY INTO THE ENGLAND SETUP AND SEEMS TO BEIMPROVING ALL THE TIME.’



DERBYSHIRE FALCONSFL t20 PROFILE

A disappointing 2009 season, with just three wins in tenmatches for the Falcons was always going to be easy toimprove on in 2010. However, once again they failed tomake the latter stages of the competition, finishing fifth inthe table with just six wins from their 16 games. Four ofthose victories came away from Derby, including a dramaticmatch against the Steelbacks where the Falcons batted firstand made just 109 but still managed to win. Their homeform must improve this time around if they are going tomake the quarter-finals, something they have failed toachieve since 2005.A new captain in the form of Luke Sutton, who returns tothe County Ground after a five-year stint at Lancashire,should help to inject some confidence and new ideas intothe team. The signing of Usman Khawaja, the Australianinternational batsman, will also strengthen the Falcons’batting line-up, but coach John Morris will be hoping thatthe likes of former Somerset all-rounder Wes Durston canproduce some of the magic of 2010 this time around.Durston struck 445 runs in last season’s competition. Morrishas also signed New Zealand international Martin Guptill.

A right-handed top order batsman, Guptill has just startedto make his mark in international cricket and has a T20strike-rate well over 100, making him a more than usefulasset in this format. On the down-side, however, Derbyshirehave lost Aussie run-machine Chris Rogers, who joinedMiddlesex over the winter.The squad has also been weakened in the bowlingdepartment after the departures of quickie Tom Lungleyand South African international all-rounder Robin Peterson.Both will be sorely missed, particularly in this format. Thesigning of former Durham and Somerset paceman MarkTurner will help fill some of the void, but you feelDerbyshire must either sign another quality bowler or relyon youngsters such as Jonathan Clare and South AfricanGreg Smith, who showed promise in this competition lastterm, to produce the goods if they are to have any chanceof progressing past the group stage.

Mark Peck

HOME GROUND - RACECOURSE GROUND, DERBY

‘THEIR HOME FORM MUST IMPROVE THIS TIME AROUND IF THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE THE QUARTER-FINALS,SOMETHING THEY HAVE FAILED TO ACHIEVE SINCE 2005.’

David SALESUsman KHAWAJA

HEAD TO HEAD

BORN Carshalton, SurreyAGE 33TOTAL t20 RUNS 1202HIGHEST t20 SCORE 78*SIXES HIT 51


BORN Islamabad, PakistanAGE 24TOTAL t20 RUNS 119HIGHEST t20 SCORE 65SIXES HIT 0

DERBYSHIRE FALCONS

Born in Pakistan but moved to Australia when he was a young boy, UsmanKhawaja has so far shown bags of promise. He made his international debutfor Australia in the last Test of the 2010-11 Ashes series at Sydney, scoring 37& 21, although he has yet to feature for the limited-overs side. He is raw and inexperienced in this format of the game but his poise,temperament and high strike-rate make him a dangerous player. The left-hander averages nearly 50 with bat in first-class cricket for his stateside New South Wales.

After a disappointing 2010 with the bat in T20 cricket, where he scoredjust 128 runs in ten games, Sales will be hoping he can rekindle the sort ofform he showed before the serious knee injury he suffered in 2009. A hard-hitting right-hander, Sales has bags of experience in this format,with 10 fifties to his name and over 1000 runs. His bumper year came in 2006, when he averaged 54.80, scoring 274 runsin just nine T20 games. Sales will be wise to take the memory of hissecond-innings 92 against Derbyshire at Chesterfield in last season'sCounty Championship into this game.Watch out if David gets behind the ball – he can launch some monstershots to all parts of the County Ground.

‘KHAWAJA IS RAW AND INEXPERIENCED IN THIS FORMAT OF THE GAME BUT HIS POISE, TEMPERAMENT AND HIGH STRIKE-RATE MAKE HIM A DANGEROUS PLAYER.’


BATSMAN RUNS HOW OUT BOWLER SCORE BOWLER 1 2 3 4 OVERS M’DENS RUNS WKTS

FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS

SCORERS

UMPIRES

SCORE AFTER EACH OVER

30

STEELBACKS VS. LEICESTERSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 3 JUNE 6.50PM START

A.C KINGSTON & G.A YORK

M.A GOUGH & G. SHARP

31


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


STEELBACKS VS. LEICESTERSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 3 JUNE 6.50PM START

LEICESTERSHIRE


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


32

STEELBACKS VS. DURHAM TWENTY 20 THURSDAY 9 JUNE 5.40PM START

SCORERS

UMPIRES

A.C KINGSTON & B. HUNT

R.J BAILEY & S.J O'SHAUGHNESSY

33


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


STEELBACKS VS. DURHAM TWENTY 20 THURSDAY 9 JUNE 5.40PM START

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


34

STEELBACKS VS. WARWICKSHIRE TWENTY 20 WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 5.30PM START

SCORERS

UMPIRES

A.C KINGSTON & D.E WAINWRIGHT

T.E JESTY & J.F STEELE

35


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


STEELBACKS VS. WARWICKSHIRE TWENTY 20 WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 5.30PM START

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


36

STEELBACKS VS. DERBYSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 17 JUNE 6.50PM START

SCORERS

UMPIRES

A.C KINGSTON & J.M BROWN

R.K ILLINGWORTH & D.J MILLNS

37


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


STEELBACKS VS. DERBYSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 17 JUNE 6.50PM START

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


38

STEELBACKS VS. WORCESTERSHIRE TWENTY 20 WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE 5.30PM START

SCORERS

UMPIRES

A.C KINGSTON & N.D SMITH

M.J.D BODENHAM & N.A MALLENDER

39


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


STEELBACKS VS. WORCESTERSHIRE TWENTY 20 WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE 5.30PM START

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


40

STEELBACKS VS. YORKSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 1 JULY 6.50PM START

SCORERS

UMPIRES

A.C KINGSTON & J.T POTTER

S.A GARRATT & T.E JESTY

41


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


STEELBACKS VS. YORKSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 1 JULY 6.50PM START

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


42

STEELBACKS VS. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 8 JULY 6.50PM START

SCORERS

UMPIRES

A.C KINGSTON & L.B HEWES

N.G.C COWLEY & S.A GARRATT

43


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


STEELBACKS VS. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TWENTY 20 FRIDAY 8 JULY 6.50PM START

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


44

STEELBACKS VS. LANCASHIRE TWENTY 20 WEDNESDAY 12 JULY 5.40PM START

SCORERS

UMPIRES

A.C KINGSTON & A. WEST

R.K ILLINGWORTH & N.J LLONG

45


FALL OF WICKET 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCORE

PARTNERSHIP

BATSMAN OUT

LEG BYES

NO BALLS

BYES

WIDES

WICKETS

TOTAL

EXTRAS


STEELBACKS VS. LANCASHIRE TWENTY 20 WEDNESDAY 12 JULY 5.40PM START

RESULT

MAN OF THE MATCH


WORCESTERSHIRE ROYALS

The Twenty20 competition has not been a happy huntingground for the Worcestershire Royals. Since it was firstinstituted in 2003, they have only reached the quarter finals twice.Last year’s reformatted tournament saw them finish rockbottom of the North Division with just five wins from their 16matches. One of those wins came against NorthamptonshireSteelbacks at New Road, where former Northants batsmanPhil Jaques and Sanath Jayasuria propelled them to a ninewicket victory.Jayasuria will not be going head-to-head with fellow formerSri Lanka Chaminda Vaas when the Royals take onNorthamptonshire this season, but they have managed toonce again secure the services of exciting Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the 2011 Friends Life t20.Although he missed out on the tournament last year due toBangladesh’s tour of England, Shakib starred forWorcestershire in the County Championship during thesecond half the season, including taking a career-best 7/32 in the win over Middlesex with his slow left arm spin.It was his form that helped them to promotion to DivisionOne for the 2011 campaign, as the Royals put aside theirwoes in limited overs cricket with a late season surge that

saw them finish as runners-up to Division Two champions Sussex.With counties allowed two overseas players for the Friends Life t20, Shakib will be joined by former Steelbacks all-rounder Damien Wright for the first part of the campaign,with Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal taking over later in theyear.Daryl Mitchell is charged with leading a youngWorcestershire squad in what will be his first full season ascaptain, having taken over from Vikram Solanki in August lastyear. Former England one-day international Solanki remains a threat for the Royals with the bat amongst their excitingprospects.Amongst those is 23-year-old left handed batsman Moeen Ali– brother of Gloucestershire batsman Kadeer Ali and cousinof Hampshire bowler Kabir Ali – who has been capped byEngland Lions and was Worcestershire’s top batsman in lastyear’s FP t20, scoring 385 runs at an average of 27.50.

Marc Bazeley

HOME GROUND - NEW ROAD, WORCESTER

FRIENDS LIFE t20 PROFILE

‘FORMER ENGLAND ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL SOLANKIREMAINS A THREAT FOR THE ROYALS WITH THE BATAMONGST THEIR EXCITING PROSPECTS.’

Robert WHITEAlexei KERVEZEE

HEAD TO HEAD

BORN Chelmsford, EssexAGE 31TOTAL t20 RUNS 1122HIGHEST t20 SCORE 94*SIXES HIT 37


BORN Walvis Bay, NamibiaAGE 21TOTAL t20 RUNS 323HIGHEST t20 SCORE 39SIXES HIT 6

WORCESTERSHIRE ROYALS

Despite his tender age, Kervezee has already made cricketing history, beingone of only four players to feature in a Cricket World Cup aged 17 when hemade 47 on his debut for the Netherlands against Sri Lanka four years ago.He was also in the side when the Dutch recorded that famous victory overEngland at Lord’s in the 2009 World Twenty20.Ironically nicknamed ‘Rowdy’ by his teammates due to his quiet demeanour,Kervezee is a highly-regarded prospect at New Road. Indeed, former Hollandfast bowling coach Ian Pont has gone as far as to draw comparisons betweenthe right-handed opener and Royals legend Graeme Hick.Kervezee and his Worcestershire teammates endured a difficult FP t20campaign last season, with the Namibian-born batsman scoring 179 runs in16 matches at an average of 14.91. However, he has had an impressive startto the season in the County Championship and will be looking to carry thatform over to Twenty20.

Since cracking 277 in a record first class opening partnership forNorthamptonshire with Mark Powell against Gloucestershire in 2002,White’s batting talent has been evident. He has since established himselfas a hard-hitting member of the county’s middle order, managing over 200Twenty20 runs in the past three seasons.White has always had a reputation as a flamboyant, attacking batsman andhis strike rate of 121.69 in Twenty20 cricket bears that out. His cricketinghero, Sir Vivian Richards, would no doubt be impressed by those numbers.Last season’s FP t20 campaign saw the right-hander register 277 runs at anaverage of 23.08 in 13 matches as the Steelbacks reached the quarterfinals for the third year in a row. If they are to make it four then they will belooking for White to be firing on all cylinders again.

‘WHITE HAS ALWAYS HAD A REPUTATION AS A FLAMBOYANT,ATTACKING BATSMAN AND HIS STRIKE RATE OF 121.69 IN

TWENTY20 CRICKET BEARS THAT OUT.’



YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE

One of the most followed counties on the circuit, Yorkshirehave struggled in t20 cricket and 2010 was no different forthe Headingley-based outfit, despite having a bounty oftalent at their disposal.Yorkshire finished 6th in the North group of last year’scompetition, recording just six wins from their 16 matchesand were fruitful opposition for the Steelbacks, whorecording a fine victory at Headingley before the pair wereinvolved in one of the most ridiculous endings to a t20match at the County Ground in June. Nicky Boje managedto hit 12 off Richard Pryah’s last ball of the match (hitting a six off a no ball and finding the boundary with the 2ndattempt) to earn the County a valuable point. Yorkshire will look to amend their lowly record of only twoquarter final appearances since the inception of t20 cricketand have some big guns to call on. Their strength is the all-round abilities of their squad andthey will be able to call upon the international experienceof England bowlers Adil Rashid, Ryan Sidebottom, AjmalShahzad and Tim Bresnan.

Any one of them has the ability to win a t20 match on theirown and Yorkshire will hope the England selectors don’ttake the core of their bowling attack away for the Sri Lankaseries, including Adil Rashid who ended up last season’s FPt20 leading wicket taker with 26 victims.Batting firepower will come from the likes of 27-year-oldcaptain Andrew Gale who has scored almost 1200 t20 runsat an average of 27.9 and a strike rate of 120, and AnthonyMcgrath who has notched up 1300 runs at over 31, with astrike rate of 115. Yorkshire will also look to their battery oftalented youngsters such as Adam Lyth, Jonny Bairstow andJoe Root to get in amongst the runs.With no overseas signings for the 2011 Friends Life t20campaign, Carnegie will hope not to miss their 2010batting maestro Herschelle Gibbs, who scored a superb 101here at the County Ground last July.

Brendan Gilbert

HOME GROUND - HEADINGLEY, LEEDS


‘YORKSHIRE WILL LOOK TO AMEND THEIR LOWLY RECORD OFONLY TWO QUARTER FINAL APPEARANCES SINCE THE INCEPTIONOF T20 CRICKET AND HAVE SOME BIG GUNS TO CALL ON.’

James MIDDLEBROOKAdil RASHID

HEAD TO HEAD

BORN Leeds, YorkshireAGE 33t20 MATCHES 65WICKETS 28 @ 37.80ECONOMY RATE 7.64


BORN Bradford, YorkshireAGE 23t20 MATCHES 44WICKETS 59 @ 17.70ECONOMY RATE 7.10

YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE

Rashid was in sensational form with the ball in last season’s tournament,leading the wicket taking charts with 26 wickets, a haul which included four Steelbacks wickets. The Bradford-born spinner has a knack of takingwickets at vital moments in the innings whilst being economical with the ball in hand, and Rashid adds decent lower order batting into the mix for safe measure. Rashid’s form in recent years has led to England call-ups for the talented legspinner and that experience may be handy when taking on the world classbatsmen on show in this year’s competition – batsmen who will have to beon guard when facing the Yorkshireman, whose t20 best figures of 4-20 showthe youngster is a potential match winner.59 wickets in 44 t20 matches at an average on 17 show how important the23-year-old could be to Yorkshire’s ambitions in this year’s Friends Life t20.

James has proved to be a valuable piece of the Steelbacks’ armoury in t20cricket, as the 34-year-old gives Northants a superb off-spin option. Jameshas performed admirably for the Steelbacks last season, taking 12 wicketswhilst conceding just over six runs an over throughout the campaign. His economical bowling rates were evident from the 2005 season whenthe ex-Essex player was the competition’s most economical bowler. ‘Midders’ is an apt nickname for the all-rounder who is superb at eating upthe pivotal middle overs to slow opponent’s run rates. James combines hisbowling skill with handy lower order batting that can see theYorkshireman add runs at crucial later stages of matches.A Yorkshireman himself, James will look forward to facing one of his oldcounties once again and we could see the spinner play a crucial role forthe Steelbacks alongside overseas signing Johan Botha, both in thisencounter and the campaign as a whole.

'MIDDERS' IS AN APT NICKNAME FOR THE ALL-ROUNDERWHO IS SUPERB AT EATING UP THE PIVOTAL MIDDLE OVERS

TO SLOW OPPONENT'S RUN RATES.’


NOTTINGHAMSHIRE OUTLAWSFRIENDS LIFE t20 PROFILE

In American sporting parlance, it is generally accepted that a tie is like kissing your sister. Yet as the great baseballplayer George Brett drily observed, “If a tie is like kissingyour sister, losing is like kissing your grandmother with herteeth out.”Last year the Steelbacks and Outlaws both decided thatkissing grandma was emphatically not on the agenda andslugged each other to a standstill in a pair of brutal ties thatleft both teams bloodied but unbowed.Andrew Hall salvaged a dramatic tie in the first encounter atTrent Bridge as the Outlaws lost their last three wicketswithout managing the fifth of the five runs they neededfrom the final over.The rematch saw Hall in the thick of it at the death onceagain as the Steelbacks battled to score the 10 runs theyneeded off the last six balls. Mayhem, chaos and three runouts ensued – including one that saw Hall flattened by DirkNannes with all the subtlety of a man impersonating AyersRock – before Jack Brooks scrambled two off the final ballto clinch a tie.Consequently, this game has plenty to live up to.

The Outlaws return a number of familiar faces in their guiseof Northants North – Ben Phillips, Graeme Swann, GraemeWhite and Riki Wessels all have Steelback roots and are partof a 10-man contingent who started their careers withother counties before moving to Trent Bridge.The Outlaws feature some of the biggest hitters in thecompetition. Ali Brown, Alex Hales, Samit Patel and DavidHussey can clear any boundary. However, the Steelbackswill be confident they can repeat the success of last yearwhen they blew away the top order, reducing the Outlawsto 12-3 and 13-3 respectively in the two contests.After the encounters of 2010 there is plenty of historybetween these two teams and the Steelbacks will feel theyhave a score or two to settle. This time, kissing their sistersis not an option for the Steelbacks – nothing less than thesweet embrace of victory will be enough.

Richard Barker

HOME GROUND - TRENT BRIDGE, NOTTINGHAM


‘THE OUTLAWS FEATURE SOME OF THE BIGGEST HITTERS INTHE COMPETITION. ALI BROWN, ALEX HALES, SAMIT PATELAND DAVID HUSSEY CAN CLEAR ANY BOUNDARY.’

Niall O’BRIEN

BORN Dublin, IrelandAGE 29TOTAL t20 RUNS 1172HIGHEST t20 SCORE 84SIXES HIT 25


Chris READ

BORN Paignton, DevonAGE Whip PullTOTAL t20 RUNS 944HIGHEST t20 SCORE 58*SIXES HIT 24

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE OUTLAWS

HEAD TO HEAD

Chris Read and Niall O’Brien share something of a common bond in thatboth wicketkeepers have had their careers affected by Geraint Jones. Readlost his England berth to Jones while O’Brien’s time at Kent was effectivelyended when Jones was axed by England leaving the way clear for theIrishman to join Northants.A naturally attacking batsman, Read has proved to be a formidablecompetitor in t20 cricket. Heading into the tournament he could boast a strike rate of 118.74 and averaged in excess of 25.Read’s ability to improvise in the closing stages of an innings and find theboundary has made him a lynchpin of the Outlaws line-up. Despite hisrelatively diminutive frame, Read has plenty of power at his disposal and hascleared the ropes 24 times in the shortest form of the game.Read may have been surpassed in the purists’ eyes by James Foster of theEssex Eagles for the accolade of England’s most accomplished wicketkeeperbut he plays a key role in the Outlaws’ plans. Read very rarely makesmistakes and is good enough to stand up to the stumps for all but thequickest bowlers, thereby preventing batsmen from taking liberties andventuring out of their ground.

O’Brien has batted up and down the order for the Steelbacks in the t20, at times opening the innings, at others providing a catalyst at four or fiveand occasionally coming in at number seven. Regardless of where he batsone thing is always certain – the man from Dublin will always come outswinging.The left-hander is always only too happy to take the attack to the bowlers,ready to slash away over cover, mow the ball over the leg side, or, when allelse fails, improvise heroically and scoop the ball over short fine leg. A strike rate of 119 and five half centuries in t20 cricket testifies to theeffectiveness of this approach.O’Brien also provides a critical role in the field as he sets the tone for theSteelbacks. Regardless of whether it is cajoling and inspiring hiscolleagues in the field, setting the angles for fielders or performing heroicsbehind the stumps, no cause is ever lost for O’Brien until the scoreboardtells him otherwise.



LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING

Lancashire are the t20 nearly men, but enjoy a decentrecord in t20 cricket over the years, making three Finalsdays and three quarter-final appearances without everlifting the trophy. The closest Lightning came to winning inthe shortest format was in 2005 when they finished runnersup to Somerset.Lancashire Lightning possess a hugely talented t20 squadand will want to get to Finals Day once again in 2011.Former England coach Peter Moores leads the Red RoseCounty into the competition with a squad of 19experienced cricketers and has only signed one overseasplayer in Farveez Maharoof. The Sri Lankan all-rounder hasimmense potential in any form of the game and will deliverfiery seam bowling and good lower order pinch-hitting toOld Trafford - Maharoof will be a key player for Lightning ifthey are to realise their Finals day ambitions. Fine English talent makes up the core of the Lightningattack. James Anderson, Sajid Mahmood, Stephen Parryand Glen Chapple can all cause batsmen headaches withtheir bowling.

Mahmood impressed last season with 23 wickets at anaverage of just over 8, and the spin bowling of StephenParry claimed 26 wickets at 7 runs a piece last season. Batting wise, Lancashire have strength in depth, withSteven Croft able to score quickly from the middle order,Tom Smith can smash opening bowlers to all parts andStephen Moore who can anchor any innings superbly toallow the Lightning to race to big totals. Paul Horton is alsolikely to be key wicket for Lancashire - the 28-year-old hasracked up 634 runs in 37 matches at an average of 21.1.The Lightning will be a team to watch, especially if they gain valuable early momentum before facing the Steelbacks twice in four days at the end of the group stages.

Brendan Gilbert

HOME GROUND - OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER


‘LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING POSSESS A HUGELY TALENTEDT20 SQUAD AND WILL WANT TO GET TO FINALS DAY ONCEAGAIN IN 2011.’

Mal LOYESteven CROFT

HEAD TO HEAD

BORN Northampton, NorthantsFAVOURITE SHOT Slog SweepTOTAL t20 RUNS 1296HIGHEST t20 SCORE 100SIXES HIT 35


BORN Blackpool, LancashireFAVOURITE SHOT Pull ShotTOTAL t20 RUNS 1174HIGHEST t20 SCORE 88SIXES HIT 33

LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING

A vital component of Lancashire’s one-day team in recent seasons, Croft hasshown his worthiness to the cause with over 1100 t20 runs for the Lightningfrom 58 appearances at a handy average of 26 from the middle order. A hard-hitting batsman, Croft is a typical t20 player who is superb in the fieldand tricky with the ball, taking 22 wickets with his swift seam bowling.Croft scored 394 runs last term at a useful average of 26.3 and took 5 wicketsto help his team mates to the quarter finals. A top score of 88 shows just howpotent Croft can be with the bat, finding boundaries with ease in the latterstages of Lancashire’s innings. Croft represents a fantastic asset to the Old Trafford outfit because whenteams manage to get the Lightning’s top order out cheaply, the 26-year-oldwill be the man standing in the way.

Mal started the 2010 Friends Provident t20 competition in superb fashion,scoring 115 runs in just 3 matches before injury curtailed his campaign. An experienced campaigner, Mal has been a Steelback for 14 seasons aswell as spending seven years with Lancashire Lightning, meaning matcheslike these are a highlight for the top order batsman.Mal’s batting relies more on impeccable timing and technique thanblistering power, but that doesn’t mean the Northampton-born batsmancan’t find the boundary – he did so 16 times in three innings last year and184 times in his distinguished career, a career that has seen Mal smash1296 t20 runs averaging almost 34, not to mention a strike rate of 132.4.Mal offers the Steelbacks a rock at the top of the order, using hisexperience to help anchor the innings in Northants’ favour. Mal is alsocapable of destructive batting, something seen on his full internationaldebut when he brutally slog-swept Brett Lee for six!

‘A HARD-HITTING BATSMAN, CROFT IS A TYPICAL T20 PLAYER WHO ISSUPERB IN THE FIELD AND TRICKY WITH THE BALL, TAKING 22 WICKETSWITH HIS SWIFT SEAM BOWLING.’



NORTHANTS Vs. INDIA

One hundred years have passed since India first visited the County Ground, an occasion that saw Lord Lilford’s team triumph by six wickets. The teamshave subsequently met on a dozen occasions dating back to 1911, with bothsides winning twice. The most recent encounter between the teams tookplace in 1996 when Sachin Tendulkar’s 88 trumped Mal Loye’s 83 butNorthants won by five wickets.

Two months later the batsmen could reflect on rather different fortunes.Tendulkar scored 428 runs in five innings during a narrow test series lossagainst England. Tendulkar scored two centuries, including a stunning 122 inthe defeat at Edgbaston where no other Indian batsman reached 20.

Loye didn’t even have the consolation of finishing on the losing side asNorthants succumbed in the Benson & Hedges Cup Final at Lord’s – a slightlypuzzling piece of selectorial brilliance left Loye on the sidelines as the Countylost to Lancashire.

15 years after they met at Luton’s Wardown Park, Tendulkar and Loye potentiallyfind themselves on opposite sides once again. Tendulkar may have rewritten therecord books and, while no one would seriously contest his right to be consideredas one of the greatest – if not the greatest – of all time, one wonders if he wouldhave traded a few of his records in exchange for sweeping Brett Lee for six off a good length à la Loye.

Tendulkar may be the brightest star in India’s glittering constellation but he is byno means the only shining light. M. S. Dhoni launched the six heard round theworld when he brought the curtain down on the World Cup Final with a gloriousstraight six. It was a shot that defined a tournament and ensured India would becrowned World Champions, thereby becoming the first host nation to lift thetrophy. It was also a shot that defined Dhoni’s cricketing legacy as he put his poorform behind him to fulfil the hopes and dreams of a billion Indian cricket fans.

India’s legendary batting line-up also features Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh andVirender Sehwag. Despite scoring a crucial 75 from 54 balls to set up India’s win inthe inaugural World Twenty20 Final against Pakistan, Gambhir lacks thereputation and penchant for explosive hitting of some of his colleagues but hecan console himself with his status of the world’s most expensive cricketer. The IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders paid $2.4 million to secure Gambhir’s signature in January.

That deal was enough to ensure Gambhir never had to worry overly much aboutbeing able to afford to eat out ever again. In the event his poised 97 in the WorldCup Final probably means he will never be allowed to pick up a ‘check’ in his owncountry ever again.

Yuvraj was named the Player of the Tournament at the World Cup. He averaged 86 with the bat, picked up 15 wickets and scooped up four Man of the Matchawards during the competition. Yuvraj blazed his way to prominence with a 12-ball 50 against England in the 2007 Twenty20 tournament, an innings thatfeatured six sixes in an over from Stuart Broad.

FRIDAY 5TH / SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST 2011

Northants fans can be forgiven for thinking what might have been if Sehwagcuts loose. Plans to sign him for last season’s domestic t20 tournament werethwarted by red tape and, having been forced to delay his arrival for so long,Sehwag will be keen to make up for lost time – not that he ever needs muchinvitation to start laying about him with his broadsword of a bat. Virat Kohli andSuresh Raina will be waiting in the wings to provide the runs if the big guns fail.Kohli (22) and Raina (24) both played in the World Cup Final and represent thefuture of Indian batting.

Their batsmen may be household names across the cricketing world but Indiaare hardly bereft of bowling talent. Harbhajan Singh is closing in on 700 wicketsin all forms of cricket for India. Harbhajan is the most successful offspin bowler to emerge from India, an accolade that puts him at the head of some prettyimpressive competition.

Zaheer Khan provides the seam attack with a potent spearhead. Zaheer hasproved to be a wonderful bowler in all formats and is closing in on 300 wickets in both tests and ODIs. Throw in more than a thousand wickets in domesticcricket and you have a bowler capable of wrecking any batting order.

India will hope that Ishant Sharma can recapture the form that saw him ridiculeRicky Ponting in 2007-2008, working him over with a series of displays thattriggered the start of the decline for one of the world’s greatest batsmen. The likes of Sreesanth and Munaf Patel will offer further options for an attack thatis unlikely to lack firepower.

All in all, a daunting task lies ahead for Northants as they prepare to face offagainst the World Champions. Then again, as the scorecards from 1911 and 1996show only too well, nothing can ever be taken for granted once the action gets underway.

Besides, for all their pyrotechnics and million dollar endorsement deals, theIndians lack a batsman willing and able to sweep Brett Lee for six off a length. In one sense, at least, the odds are stacked in Northants’ favour.

Richard Barker

‘YUVRAJ WAS NAMED THE PLAYEROF THE TOURNAMENT AT THEWORLD CUP. HE AVERAGED 86WITH THE BAT, PICKED UP 15WICKETS AND SCOOPED UP FOURMAN OF THE MATCH AWARDSDURING THE COMPETITION.’

‘THEIR BATSMEN MAY BEHOUSEHOLD NAMES ACROSSTHE CRICKETING WORLD BUTINDIA ARE HARDLY BEREFT OF

BOWLING TALENT.’

55THE STEELBACK MAGAZINE - 2011

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57THE STEELBACK MAGAZINE - 2011

PUSHING FOR NEW HEIGHTSCOMMERCIAL TEAM

Northants Cricket is extremely excited to be entering what we are sure will be an exhilaratingFriends Life t20 campaign both on and off the field.

Not only are the team working hard and striving for success in all forms of the game, but thecommercial team are also pushing for new heights whilst busily putting together a fantasticschedule of events to take place throughout the summer and into the winter months.

This summer will see a first for Northants Cricket, with the arrival of Sir Elton Johnwho will beperforming a historic concert here at the County Ground on Saturday 25th June.

Northants Cricket is also thrilled to be welcoming Graeme Swann back to the County Groundlater in the year, where guests will enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment with Graeme andhear some of the stories to come out of England’s superb Ashes win, as well as stories onGraeme’s journey to success which started right here at Northants!

Other corporate events taking place this year will be the club’s annual Golf Day, taking place atStaverton Park Hotel on Thursday 4th August. In addition, this year’s End of Season Dinnerwill be held in our impressive Chronicle and Echo Arena on Thursday 8th September, for whatcould prove to be a great celebration of a hugely successful season.

The County Ground Events Venue are pleased to announce this year’s Christmas programme willtake on a Las Vegas theme, with a different tribute act every night. The confirmed Christmas dates are Friday 9th, Saturday 10th, Friday 16th and Saturday 17thDecember. If you would like more information on this exciting programme, please contact ClareCatchpole on 01604 609249 or email [email protected] you would like to discuss how you or your company can be involved with Northants Cricketthrough sponsorship and advertising opportunities, or you would like to attend any of ourevents, please contact either Keeley Rawlinson on 01604 514490, [email protected], or Julie Farley on 01604 609281, [email protected].

KEELEY RAWLINSON


CLUB SPONSORSNORTHANTS CRICKET

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CLUB SPONSORS

CLUB PARTNERS


CHAMINDA VAAS

The Steelbacks have a proud tradition of bringing in overseas players who goon to contribute massively to the ambitions of the club, a fact proved by theefforts of international stars such as Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, CurtlyAmbrose and Johan van der Wath to name a few.

Chaminda is no different and starred for the Steelbacks with bat and ball inlast year’s Friends Provident t20. The all-rounder contributed 412 runs in thecompetition to go alongside his 23 wickets. The Sri Lankan produced stunningperformances that helped the Steelbacks recover from a faltering start tostorm into the quarter finals.

His performances did not go unnoticed, as Chaminda was named the PCA’sFTI Most Valuable t20 Player and the club’s t20 Player of the season. Quitesimply, Vaas was untouchable. Chaminda spoke modestly about his efforts lastterm, in saying, “I was really happy with the way I performed last season. I wanted to get into the Sri Lankan side and knew I had to perform extremelywell here to do that. I was really pleased with my performances last year.”

“Yes, it was one of my best spells,” continued the wicket-taking legend. “The guys played really well, backing me up and helping me out a lot. David Capel also supported me really well last year and I was really pleasedwith how it turned out. I felt I performed extremely well, both my batting andbowling came off superbly.”

It is hardly surprising the County and in particular David Capel moved rapidlyto secure the services of the experienced campaigner for the entirety of thisseason, a decision surely made easier for Vaas by his performances in 2010.

“Yes it did make it easier. When you have a good bunch of guys in the dressingroom to hang around with, and to play good cricket with - that is why I came herein the first place and why I decided to come back this season. When they asked meif I’d like to come back, I said ‘yes’ because it gave me that opportunity to playsome good exciting cricket. The team plays some superb cricket and everything isright for me here. I like it here.”

One of Sri Lanka’s greatest ever new-ball bowlers, Vaaswas promoted to a pinch-hitting opening role after theSteelbacks’ third loss on the bounce at the start of lastseason’s Friends Provident t20 – a move that paid offastonishingly well for the Steelbacks. When askedwhich he prefers, batting or bowling, the seamer said,“Batting is always challenging for me, playingtraditionally as a bowler, but if I can get runs forthe team, then that’s a bonus. I did welllast season and am doing so at themoment. I’m trying to play as a typicalall-rounder, and I’m really happywith the way it is going.”

A veteran of over 1100 games ofcricket, Chaminda hasperformed admirably in allforms of the sport, be in onthe county or world stage, andthe left-handed batsmanenjoys it all.

‘I WANT TO PLAY BETTER THAN BEFORE’

“As long as I’m fit enough I would like to play all forms of cricket, be thatchampionship cricket, twenty20 cricket or the 40 over cricket. My body is stillstrong and I’m looking forward to each and every match. I’ve played well at thestart of the season and I will try and continue that throughout the season.”

“I prefer the longer format but that doesn’t mean I don’t like t20 cricket. I want todeliver the best I can in all forms of cricket for Northants.

“I never set myself targets.” added the 37-year-old. “Even last year, when I had a good season, I didn’t set any targets. I take things game by game and try toimprove game by game. I feel that if I take wickets and score runs in every game I play, then I believe that getting 400 runs and 25 wickets is definitely possible!

“I want to play better than ever before and I have to start by matching what I didfor the team in last year’s competition. Hopefully after I do that, I can go on andget more wickets and runs for the Steelbacks.”

Chaminda was instrumental in the Steelbacks’ push for the quarter finals in 2010,and the ex-Middlesex, Worcestershire and Hampshire seamer is convinced that2011 can be the year of the Steelbacks, and not just in the Friends Life t20.

“We played superbly at the start of the season and the boys are super confident.

We have to takethis campaign gameby game because weknow that t20 cricket is a different ball-game. Wehave to play well from the firstgame to the last. We definitelyhave a good chance to win thisyear. The guys are playing reallywell and each of us know exactlywhat our role is in the team. I know weall will be giving it 100% in every matchthis season.”

With experience comes the knowledge of how to copewith the pressure of playing in t20 cricket, andChaminda is example of that. Appearing in 45 t20matches, the seamer has taken 55 wickets at 19 andscored 622 runs at an average of over 20. “I don’t reallyfeel any pressure,” he says. “That’s because I’ve playedcricket for so many years for Sri Lanka and playedCounty cricket. There isn’t any pressure for me so Ijust try to enjoy the game and deliver whatever Ican in the middle.”

‘WE DEFINITELY HAVE A GOOD CHANCE TOWIN THIS YEAR. THE GUYS ARE PLAYINGREALLY WELL AND EACH OF US KNOWEXACTLY WHAT OUR ROLE IS IN THE TEAM. I KNOW WE ALL WILL BE GIVING IT 100% INEVERY MATCH THIS SEASON.’



When it comes to cricket, Chaminda has been there, done that, and got the T-shirts! And it is with this vast amount of experience that he can contributeeven further to the Northants’ cause. With so many youngsters fighting theirway into first XI reckoning, the Sri Lankan is on hand to offer any advice they want.

“I’ve see so many youngsters learn from me and I’m more than happy to try andgive them hints and tips – whatever I can, basically. I’m impressed with thetalent on show here at Northampton. Alex Wakely and David Willey have brightfutures ahead of them and David Lucas is a talented bowler. They are keen tolearn and want to improve – I just try and give advice learnt from 17 years in the

game. Hopefully, one day I can see some of the lads here play for England.”

As one of two overseas signings here at the County Ground for thisseason, Chaminda suggested that Johan Botha will like the experience

of playing for the Steelbacks in the Friends Life t20.

“It’s a good signing. Johan is a very competent cricketerwho is playing really well at the moment, not just forSouth Africa but in the IPL as well. It’s going to be veryinteresting and I’m sure he’s looking forward to the

challenge of playing for the Steelbacks.”

The challenge Chaminda talks about is one the all-rounderis relishing as he continues to help the Steelbacks in theirnever-ending quest for cricketing glory.

Brendan Gilbert

‘I WAS REALLY PLEASED WITH HOW ITTURNED OUT. I FELT I PERFORMEDEXTREMELY WELL, BOTH MY BATTING ANDBOWLING CAME OFF SUPERBLY.’

‘WHEN YOU HAVE A GOOD BUNCH OF GUYS IN THEDRESSING ROOM TO HANG AROUND WITH, AND TOPLAY GOOD CRICKET WITH - THAT IS WHY I CAMEHERE IN THE FIRST PLACE AND WHY I DECIDED TO

COME BACK THIS SEASON.’


JACK BROOKS

When Northamptonshire Steelbacks made the Twenty20 Cup Finals day two years ago, Jack Brooks was there at Edgbaston. Sadly for him, it was only as a spectator where he saw his team-mates get edged out by eventualwinners Sussex Sharks in a thrilling semi-final.

Back then, the seamer was still a relative unknown having been snapped upfrom playing club and Minor Counties cricket in Oxfordshire the previouswinter. Indeed, he had only made his first class debut less than a month priorto the Twenty20 finals against the touring Australians.

Claiming the wickets of Andrew McDonald and Mitchell Johnson in the first innings of that match at the County Ground gave a glimpse ofBrooks’ talent and his first full season of county cricket in 2010 saw himimpress many observers.

As well as taking 37 wickets in first class cricket, Brooks established himself asa key member of the Northants side that reached the quarter finals of theFriends Provident t20 before losing at Somerset, and he puts that down tobeing on the sidelines at Edgbaston the year before. “I was in the crowd at thefinals day enjoying the atmosphere and having a few drinks. I enjoyedwatching it and it gave me the hunger to be part of it,” recalls Brooks.

“Last year I got given my chance, grabbed it with both hands and now I thinkI'm an integral part of the team in Twenty20.

“I've got a big role that [captain] Andrew Hall has explained to me, and I'vetaken it on board. We'd like to get to the quarters at least, but I think we'recapable of going all the way. We've got a well-balanced squad and we havejust got to make sure we play well every game.”

Brooks had experienced Twenty20 cricket in club competitions before, butconfesses that the intensity is ratcheted up several levels when you’re playingon the county circuit in front of large crowds.

He is looking forward to renewing his new ball partnership with Chaminda Vaas inthis year’s rebranded Friends Life t20, and is very clear about what his role withinthe Steelbacks side is. Brooks said: “From a bowler's point of view, if you don't getwhacked you treat it as a bonus and try to enjoy the fact that every ball you havehas got to be on the money, wherever you want to bowl it.

“Me and Vaasy had a good opening partnership last year and in almost everygame one of us picked up wickets to give us a good start. Hopefully we can do thesame this year. My role in the team as the opening bowler isto try and take early wickets and not to get hitaround too much. It's difficult in the first six oversto try and not get hit for too many boundaries.

‘WE’LL CARRY ON SURPRISING’

‘WE'LL CARRY ON SURPRISING TEAMS ANDUPSETTING TEAMS HERE, AND THE LADS ARE

CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN GET TO THE QUARTERSTHIS YEAR, AND HOPEFULLY FINALS DAY.’

“I've got a simple game plan to bowl just short of a length, quite straight, and if I get it right I don't get whacked too often.

“I haven't come back much at the end of the innings when the bat is beingswung around as much, but with Twenty20 each person has to have a role and aslong as they have got a clear mind of what to do, then all you have to do is applythose skills. Last year I managed to get it right the majority of the time and I'mgoing to try and do the same again this year.”

The 26-year-old is also optimistic that South African spinner Johan Botha willform a dangerous two-pronged attack with James Middlebrook to keep teamstied down during the middle overs, and believes that the Northants bowling unitis a dangerous one.

While a return to the quarter finals is the minimum requirement for David Capel’steam, Brooks feels that they have the potential to end the county’s 19 year wait for a domestic limited overs trophy – the last being the 1992NatWest Trophy triumph.

He said: “It's the same as every year - our first aim is to get out of the group andmake the quarter finals.

“Everyone recognises the fact we are a good one-day unit, especially in Twenty20where we can be a dangerous side. We're well organised, we have a good role clarity in the squad and we tend to keep pretty much the same teamfor the Twenty20's.

“Hally leads us well, we've got good death bowlers, good opening bowlers andguys who can clear the ropes, which is important. Last year we were the onlyDivision Two team to make it to the quarter finals, so there's maybe a bit of a trend there that Division One teams will be the favourites to get to the quarters.

“But we'll carry on surprising teams and upsetting teams here, and the lads areconfident that we can get to the quarters this year, and hopefully finals day.”

Marc Bazeley



Jack BROOKS

DoB 04/06/1984Role BowlerBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Right Arm Medium Fast

Signature

DoB 13/05/1977Role All RounderBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Off Spin

Andrew HALL

DoB 31/07/1975Role All Rounder (Captain)Batting Style Right HandedBowling Style Right Arm Fast Medium

Signature

Lee DAGGETT


Signature

Thomas BRETT

DoB 13/11/1989Role BowlerBatting Style Left HandedBowling Style Off Spin

Signature

Gavin BAKER


Signature

Ben HOWGEGO

DoB 03/03/1988Role BatsmanBatting Style Left HandedBowling Style Right Arm Medium

Signature

Luke EVANS


Signature

01 09

10 27

16 24

25

Johan BOTHA

DoB 02/05/1982Role BowlerBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Right Arm Off Break

Signature

48

Mal LOYE

DoB 27/09/1972Role BatsmanBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style N/A

Signature

02

David LUCAS

DoB 19/08/1978Role BowlerBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Left Arm Medium Fast

Signature

22

Robert NEWTON

DoB 18/01/1990Role BatsmanBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style N/A

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Niall O’BRIEN

DoB 08/11/1981Role Wicket Keeper / BatsmanBatting Style Left HandedBowling Style Leg Spin

Signature

Stephen PETERS

DoB 10/12/1978Role BatsmanBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Leg Break

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Chaminda VAAS

DoB 27/01/1974Role BowlerBatting Style Left HandedBowling Style Left Arm Medium Fast

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Alex WAKELY

DoB 03/11/1988Role BatsmanBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Right Arm Off Spin

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Robert WHITE

DoB 15/10/1979Role BatsmanBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Leg Spin

Signature

David SALES

DoB 03/12/1977Role All RounderBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Right Arm Medium

Signature

21 81 11

18080405

James MIDDLEBROOK

DoB 13/05/1977Role All RounderBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style Off Spin

Signature

David MURPHY

DoB 24/06/1989Role Wicket Keeper / BatsmanBatting Style Right HandedBowling Style N/A

Signature

David WILLEY

DoB 28/02/1990Role All RounderBatting Style Left HandedBowling Style Left Arm Medium Fast

Signature

07 19

15


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SATURDAY 2 APRIL LOUGHBOROUGH UCCE LOUGHBOROUGH UNIFRIDAY 8 APRIL SURREY KIA OVAL LV=CC2THURSDAY 14 APRIL KENT THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL ESSEX THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2SUNDAY 24 APRIL LEICESTERSHIRE THE COUNTY GR. CB40

SUNDAY 1 MAY DURHAM EM. DURHAM ICG CB40WEDNESDAY 4 MAY KENT CANTERBURY LV=CC2SUNDAY 8 MAY WARWICKSHIRE THE COUNTY GR. CB40WEDNESDAY 11 MAY GLOUCESTERSHIRE BRISTOL LV=CC2FRIDAY 20 MAY HAMPSHIRE (F) ROSE BOWL CB40SUNDAY 22 MAY SCOTLAND THE COUNTY GR. CB40TUESDAY 24 MAY LEICESTERSHIRE THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2SUNDAY 29 MAY GLAMORGAN THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2

FRIDAY 3 JUNE LEICESTERSHIRE (F) THE COUNTY GR. FL t20SUNDAY 5 JUNE WARWICKSHIRE EDGBASTON FL t20THURSDAY 9 JUNE DURHAM THE COUNTY GR. FL t20FRIDAY 10 JUNE WORCESTERSHIRE NEW ROAD FL t20 SUNDAY 12 JUNE YORKSHIRE HEADINGLEY CAR. FL t20WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE WARWICKSHIRE THE COUNTY GR. FL t20FRIDAY 17 JUNE DERBYSHIRE (F) THE COUNTY GR. FL t20 SATURDAY 18 JUNE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TRENT BRIDGE FL t20SUNDAY 19 JUNE LEICESTERSHIRE GRACE ROAD LV=CC2SATURDAY 25 JUNE ESSEX CHELMSFORD LV=CC2WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE WORCESTERSHIRE MILTON KEYNES FL t20

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

LV=CC2 LIVERPOOL VICTORIA COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 2CB40 CLYDESDALE BANK 40 TROPHYFL t20 FRIENDS LIFE t20TOM TOURIST MATCHODI ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL(F) FLOODLIT MATCH TICKETS AND AVAILABILITY VISIT WWW.NORTHANTSCRICKET.COM OR CALL 01604 514455

2011 FIXTURE LISTNORTHANTS CRICKET

MATCH DRAWN

NCCC WON BY AN INNINGS & 159 RUNS

MATCH DRAWN

NCCC WON BY 7 WICKETS



NCCC WON BY 18 RUNS

NCCC WON BY AN INNINGS & 6 RUNS



MATCH DRAWN

DAY DATE OPPOSITION VENUE COMPETITION RESULT

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY 1 JULY YORKSHIRE (F) THE COUNTY GR. FL t20SUNDAY 3 JULY LEICESTERSHIRE GRACE ROAD FL t20FRIDAY 8 JULY NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (F) THE COUNTY GR. FL t20SATURDAY 9 JULY DERBYSHIRE DERBY FL t20TUESDAY 12 JULY LANCASHIRE THE COUNTY GR. FL t20THURSDAY 14 JULY DURHAM EM. DURHAM ICG FL t20FRIDAY 15 JULY LANCASHIRE (F) OLD TRAFFORD FL t20SUNDAY 17 JULY SCOTLAND CITYLETS GRANGE CB40MONDAY 18 JULY ENG. U19 v S.AFRICA U19 THE COUNTY GR. ODIWEDNESDAY 20 JULY DERBYSHIRE THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2SUNDAY 24 JULY LEICESTERSHIRE GRACE ROAD CB40 MONDAY 25 JULY HAMPSHIRE (F) THE COUNTY GR. CB40WEDNESDAY 27 JULY GLAMORGAN SWANSEA LV=CC2

WEDNESDAY 3 AUGUST SURREY (F) KIA OVAL CB40FRIDAY 5 AUGUST INDIA THE COUNTY GR. TOM

7/8 AUGUST QUARTER-FINALS AS DRAWN FL t20THURSDAY 11 AUGUST MIDDLESEX LORDS LV=CC2MONDAY 15 AUGUST SURREY (F) THE COUNTY GR. CB40TUESDAY 16 AUGUST ENG. LIONS v S.LANKA A THE COUNTY GR. TOMWEDNESDAY 17 AUGUST DERBYSHIRE CHESTERFIELD LV=CC2SUNDAY 21 AUGUST DURHAM THE COUNTY GR. CB40TUESDAY 23 AUGUST MIDDLESEX THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2SATURDAY 27 AUGUST FINALS DAY EDGBASTON FL t20MONDAY 29 AUGUST WARWICKSHIRE EDGBASTON CB40WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST SURREY THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2

SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER SEMI-FINALS AS DRAWN CB40MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER GLOUCESTERSHIRE THE COUNTY GR. LV=CC2SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER FINAL LORDS CB40


DISABILITY CRICKETNORTHANTS RECREATIONAL CRICKET

2011 has seen the County Recreational Cricket Board embark on a programme aimed atwidening the appeal of the sport and ensuring as many people as possible are welcomed intothe game regardless of age, race, ability or gender, with a particular focus on making the gamemore accessible to the counties disabled population.

Previous years has seen us coaching disabled children included in the chance to shineprogramme, and have responded to requests from special needs schools to provide coachingsessions, to over 1000 disabled youngsters each year

Whilst these activities proved valuable, this alone was not providing a sustained interest incricket for the disabled community, nor did it offer players with an aptitude for the game theopportunity to realise their full potential within a disabled sporting structure.

In order to increase participation we needed to offer a more structured events programme, runcounty wide giving children and adult’s accessible regular cricket, all year round and a realchance for developing their skills in the game.

With a generous donation from the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club Youth Trust we haveappointed a full time Community Development Coach, Andy Hill, whose role will be to deliver a structured coaching programme with the aim of introducing new players to the game and tooffer a full player development pathway so that disabled cricketers in the county can realisetheir full playing potential.

The programme will cater for the needs of all disability groups, offering coaching and playingopportunities for field and table cricket, a game devised for those with more severe disability.

It is our intention to promote more disabled inclusion from our mainstream cricket clubs. Wehave an ambitious objective to have a minimum of 3 county representative squads by the endof 2012, entering these teams in national disabled competitions in 2014.

The disability programme is benefitting from the full support of the County Cricket club, whohave designated the Friends Life t20 v Durham Dynamos on June 9th as a disability focus day,this will allow us to showcase our activities and will include demonstrations from disabledcricketers as well as the opportunity to try table cricket. We are hopeful that with an increasedawareness we will be able to attract new sponsorship/funding to allow us to continue furtherthan our current 2 year plan.


‘WE HAVE AN AMBITIOUS OBJECTIVETO HAVE A MINIMUM OF THREE

COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE SQUADS BYTHE END OF 2012, ENTERING THESE

TEAMS IN NATIONAL DISABLEDCOMPETITIONS IN 2014.’

BARRY McKENNA

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