It takes a lot to get Ben Sanderson, jovial off it, to smile while he exerts himself to execute his swing bowling craft on the cricket field. Even he, however, couldn’t contain his delight when he reached a triple century of first-class wicket in 2022. Making Sir Alastair Cook his 300^th victim a moment that the Yorkshireman’s unrelenting efforts in Northamptonshire colours since debuting for the county in 2015 more than merited.

It was one of 41 County Championship wickets in 2022, as he ended the year with 328 first-class wickets to his name at an average below 22. Only in 2020, during the truncated Bob Willis Trophy, has Sanderson failed to claim at least 40 Championship wickets in a summer since his first full season in 2016. That those 41 wickets came in Division One only reaffirmed a certain truth that all of a Northamptonshire persuasion have long been aware of; a new-ball wielding Sanderson is simultaneously one of the most dangerous and underrated performers in domestic cricket.

Sanderson’s ability and hard work with the ball has brought him close to 500 wickets for Northamptonshire, as well as being close to bringing up 100 first-class appearances for the county.