For the final time this season, cast your minds back and think about who impressed you the most during September.
The nominees are:
James Sales
After being brought back into the red-ball setup, James Sales enjoyed a brilliant return. Occupying the number four spot in the Northamptonshire batting order, Sales went on to score a magnificent, career-best 135 against Leicestershire. The 21-year-old showed positive signs for the future with a strong end to the season as he looks to build on those performances in 2025.
Yuzi Chahal
Coming in as an overseas for Northamptonshire’s final block of County Championship fixtures, Yuzvendra Chahal immediately showed his quality and experience with the ball. The Indian leg-spinner took two five-wicket hauls, finishing with nine wickets against Derbyshire and Leicestershire, helping Northamptonshire to back-to-back County Championship wins.
Rob Keogh
Rob Keogh looked back to his best in September, with bat and ball. Often bowling at the other end to Chahal, Keogh took eight wickets in the match against Derbyshire, including the match-winning scalp. Keogh struck 63 in the second innings, a crucial knock to keep the pressure on Derbyshire. Despite back troubles against Leicestershire, Keogh managed to play an important part in the win, taking three wickets and scoring 49.
Saif Zaib
After a blistering 32 off 16 in Northamptonshire’s Vitality Blast quarter-final against Somerset, Saif Zaib was another player who had a welcome return to the red-ball setup. Zaib struck a wonderful 90 and 71 against Derbyshire and Leicestershire respectively to help Northamptonshire climb up the County Championship table. With the ball, Zaib’s ever improving spin also proved to be important in the absence of Rob Keogh.