Bowler

Ben
Sanderson

26

26

Ben
Sanderson

First-class appearances

91

First-class Wickets

336

First-class bowling average

21.85

Date of Birth:
03/01/1989
Shirt Number:
26
Batting Style:
Right-hand bat
Bowling Style:
Right-arm Medium-Fast

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 300th 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.

@Sando567 sandoben

Any fears that the quality of his ability to obtain movement through the air and off the surface being affirmed in Division One would mean a potential suitor could lure the county’s cult hero away from Wantage Road were eased when he signed a new three-year deal midway through last summer.

His outrageous success for Northamptonshire is made more incredible by the fact he spent several years in cricketing exile after being released by his native Yorkshire in 2011. A trial in 2015 resulted in a full-time contract, with the faith shown in him by the county immediately rewarded through the taking of 55 Championship wickets in 2016. He would twice better that tally, with 60 wickets taken as his adopted county claimed promotion from Division Two in 2019.

Though he shines brightest with the red ball, he is a dependable operator in limited overs formats. His 16 wickets in the Vitality Blast during the 2022 campaign made him the Steelbacks’ leading wicket-taker, contributing to an excellent career record of 73 wickets claimed at an average of 26.21 with an economy rate below 9.

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