Northamptonshire kick off their Rothesay County Championship season at Wantage Road as they take on Lancashire.
After a productive pre-season concluded against Cardiff UCCE on Monday, Darren Lehmann’s side open their competitive campaign on Friday against the Red Rose with nearly a fully fit squad to select from.
Justin Broad misses out with a small back problem. The medical staff are being cautious with a back issue sustained on pre-season tour and hope the all-rounder will be available for selection in the next two weeks.
Raphy Weatherall also misses out as the Club continues to manage his workload and fitness ahead of his return to action.
After being rested last week, captain, Luke Procter, Lewis McManus and Ben Sanderson will be available for selection.
New overseas vice-captain, Nathan McSweeney, arrived in Northamptonshire this week after he led South Australia to back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles on Monday. The Australian will be available for tomorrow’s game.
Louis Kimber is in line to make his first-class Northamptonshire debut after playing against Cardiff last weekend.
Former Lancashire player and head coach, Glen Chapple, now bowling coach here at Northamptonshire, will be reunited with familiar faces when the northern outfit arrive.
We chatted with Head Coach Darren Lehmann and discussed the squad ahead of tomorrow, arrival of Nathan McSweeney and the challenge of facing Lancashire on opening day.
The Club Shop will be open across all four days for any supporters wanting to renew season tickets or pick up physical copies. There’s also 10% off all Castore products in the Club shop across the entire fixture. Discount is available for season ticket holders and life members when they show a valid membership.
Play will get underway at 11am with lunch at 1pm and tea at 3:40pm. There are 96 overs scheduled for each day. All four days of the fixture will be live streamed on YouTube.
10% off all Castore products in the Club shop across the entire fixture. Discount available for season ticket holders and life members when they show a valid membership.
The Hevey Restaurant will be open from Days 1-3 and has availability on all three days. The Hevey Suite will open from start of play for spectators to watch the match from the decking area.
The Long Room will be open for members. The Mushtaq Bar is open with full bar and snacks available. Nuts For Your Coffee will be located by the groundsman’s hut, serving hot and cold drinks and ice cream.
Northamptonshire squad to face Lancashire:
Luke Procter (c), George Bartlett, Harry Conway, Liam Guthrie, Calvin Harrison, Louis Kimber, Lewis McManus (wk), Nathan McSweeney, Gus Miller, James Sales, Ben Sanderson, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Saif Zaib
We caught up with McSweeney to discuss his move to Northamptonshire, competing in the County Championship and his relationship with Darren Lehmann.
Opponent preview:
Lancashire
Previewed by Graham Hardcastle, ECB Reporters Network, supported by Rothesay
Captain: Sir James Anderson
Head coach: Steven Croft
2025 finish: 5th
2025 leading run-scorer: Luke Wells (1,074)
2025 leading wicket-taker: George Balderson (40)
Key winter moves: Former captain Steven Croft has been appointed permanent head coach after an interim spell during the second half of 2025 and Sir James Anderson as Rothesay County Championship skipper. Ajeet Singh Dale and Paul Coughlin have arrived to bolster the fast-bowling stocks. Victoria’s Marcus Harris, the prolific batter who is halfway through a two-year overseas contract, will be available after the first-round of matches due to his involvement in the Sheffield Shield final. Seamer Will Williams has gone to Gloucestershire.