Northamptonshire take to the field for the final time in the 2025 season as they host Division 2 champions, Leicestershire, at Wantage Road in the Rothesay County Championship.
In a season dominated by the thoroughly entertaining run to Vitality Blast Finals Day, Northamptonshire’s 4-day season has been one of inconsistency. Notable victories over Lancashire and Middlesex have been cancelled out by disappointing defeats, most recently falling to a seven-wicket loss away at Gloucester in a rain-affected match last week.
With a total of just over two full days of cricket played thanks to rain soaking the entire country, Darren Lehmann’s side were bowled out quickly in the second innings for 192 in fifty overs, meaning Gloucestershire chased 158 at the cost of just three wickets in the final hour on Thursday evening.
The best the home side can look for in the final game is pushing for a top six finish. Sitting seventh on 140 points, thirteen behind Lancashire, a place above them, they will be hoping to end their season on a high and finish closer to mid table.
Luke Procter, Ben Sanderson and Ricardo Vasconcelos miss out through injury. Stuart van de Merwe, recently awarded a 2-year rookie contract, comes into contention for his debut, whilst Arush Buchake may also make his first senior appearance. Rob Keogh and Justin Broad are available having signed contract extensions at the beginning of the week.
We spoke to Head Coach Darren Lehmann about contract extensions, the season as a whole and the squad gearing up to face Leicestershire.
Opponents, Leicestershire, were crowned champions and secured their passage to Division 1 after their game against Kent was washed out. Having mathematically won promotion the match prior, there were no signs of taking their foot off the gas despite the weather. Piling up 459-7 in just 84 overs thanks to a majestic Rishi Patel century and a couple of nineties in the middle order, the champions were dominant until rain prevailed and will be hoping to lift the trophy in style this week.