Northamptonshire return to Rothesay County Championship action in the final block of fixtures of the season, starting at home to Glamorgan.
The dust has just about settled on what was one of the finest nights in recent memory for Northamptonshire. A stunning victory at a rain-soaked Oval in front of hundreds of Steelbacks supporters secured their qualification to the coveted Vitality Blast Finals Day.
Ravi Bopara’s sensational 105 not out from 46 balls was enough to beat tournament favourites Surrey, in a rain-affected game where the Steelbacks bowlers held their nerve at the death to secure a seven-run victory.
With just over a week until the county takes over Edgbaston in Northamptonshire’s first Finals Day appearance since their 2016 triumph, attention must turn to the longer-format in preparation beforehand.
Last time out, a strong display at home to Derbyshire, at the beginning of August, was dismantled by rain on day four. With the visitors five wickets down and only twelve runs ahead, thanks to dazzling centuries by Justin Broad and Rob Keogh, and relentless bowling, reducing the opponents to 54-5, persistent drizzle prompted the players to shake hands, with Northamptonshire destined for the spoils.
Sitting second from bottom in Division 2, it has been a mixed season in the longer format for Darren Lehmann’s side. Outstanding performances have been largely outweighed by disappointing results and unfortunately timed weather.
With rotation expected ahead of next weekend, Ben Whitehouse, Nirvan Ramesh, Arush Buchake are all in contention to make first-class debuts. Calvin Harrison returns on loan from Nottinghamshire as he has done throughout an impressive four-day campaign for the exciting all-rounder.
Rob Keogh is unavailable after recently becoming a father.
Play starts at 10:30am for all County Championship games in September.
On Friday, we caught up with Darren Lehmann to discuss the return to County Championship action.
What Glamorgan missed out on in the T20 format has been overshadowed by a strong four-day campaign. Sitting second and fifteen points clear of third, the dream of promotion to the elite of county cricket will be edging towards reality if they leave Wantage Road with a positive result. A statement 154 run victory over Lancashire last time out has set the Welsh outfit up for a dramatic conclusion to the Championship promotion race.