Northamptonshire return to action at Wantage Road for the first time in 2026 as they take on Cardiff UCCE in their final piece of preparation before the domestic season gets underway next Friday against Lancashire.
After five months of pre-season both in the county and overseas, Darren Lehmann’s side are back at home for a three-day fixture beginning on Saturday.
Lehmann has announced a 13-man squad with all players given the opportunity to bat or bowl throughout the match.
The squad returned from warm weather training in South Africa last weekend with no injury concerns. However, several of the bowlers’ workloads will be managed before the Rothesay County Championship kicks off on Good Friday.
Saif Zaib will captain Northamptonshire as red ball skipper Luke Procter is rested ahead of another crucial season for the all-rounder.
Ben Sanderson continues his recovery from a successful shoulder operation that took place over the winter months. The veteran seamer and overseas quick, Harry Conway, will both continue their individual programmes ahead of Lancashire. Raphy Weatherall and Gus Miller will be available after long-term injuries that kept both out for the majority of last season.
Louis Kimber is in line to wear the Northamptonshire whites for the first time after signing from Leicestershire whilst Ricardo Vasconcelos will take the gloves in the absence of Lewis McManus as he continues his preparation for the season.
Arush Buchake, Aadi Sharma & Staurt van der Merwe will all be representing their respective university sides over the weekend.
We spoke to Head Coach Darren Lehmann about the importance of outdoor match practice, new signings and how pleased he is with the completion of pre-season.
Cardiff UCCE arrive in preparation for their campaign in the BUCS University league as well as four three-day fixtures against first-class counties, beginning at Wantage Road. They’ve named a squad of 13 for their trip to Northampton, featuring former Northamptonshire leg-spinner Alex Russell.
Play will get underway at 11am with free entry for supporters. The Long Room bar will be open throughout the fixture, providing drinks and snacks.
The Club Shop will be open Saturday and Monday for any supporters wanting to renew season tickets or pick up physical copies.
All three days of the fixture will be live streamed on YouTube.