Ireland international Paul Stirling will join Northamptonshire for part of the 2020 Vitality Blast.
Stirling was the leading run scorer in T20 International cricket in 2019, as well as topping the run scorers in the recent ICC World T20 Qualifiers. The hard-hitting opener has more than 5,000 career T20 runs at a strike rate of over 140.
“I’m thrilled to be playing for the Steelbacks in this year’s Blast. My agent Niall O’Brien speaks very fondly of his time there and made a special mention of how superb the fans are.” Stirling said.
“It’s a good wicket and the boundaries are small so I’m excited to entertain the people of Northampton.”
“I know a few of the guys very well and in Rosso and Cobby they have good leaders as captains at the club. I would like to thank David Ripley for showing faith in me and I’m hoping we can win the trophy come September.”
Head Coach David Ripley was excited to add a player of Stirling’s quality to an already explosive Steelbacks top order.
“Paul brings great experience, skill, and firepower to our line-up. He has a reputation as a great team man and we are looking forward to welcoming him into our dressing room.” Ripley said.
“He’ll dovetail with Pollard and be available down the road should we qualify for the quarters and beyond. A special thanks to Cricket Ireland for their assistance in allowing Paul to play a role for us.”
Steelbacks Captain Josh Cobb said he was looking forward to playing alongside Stirling, having faced him as an opponent throughout the years.
“Stirlo’s such a valuable player to have in your side in the shorter form, he’s got experience around the world and especially in England so I’m looking forward to him hopefully getting us off to a few flying starts.”
Stirling will be part of the Steelbacks’ squad alongside Faheem Ashraf for parts of the Vitality Blast group stages, as well as being available for the knockout stages, subject to NOC approval from Cricket Ireland.
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