Blast Insight: Northants Steelbacks

We take a closer look at the Steelbacks ahead of our Blast clash at Wantage Road.

Coach: David Ripley

Captain: Josh Cobb

Last Year’s Performance: Quarter-finalists

2020 Leading Runscorer: Paul Stirling (232 @ 25.77)

2020 Leading Wicket Taker: Ben Sanderson (12 @ 22.25)

Overseas players: Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan), Wayne Parnell (South Africa)

Key man: Richard Levi - Without Paul Stirling at the top of the order, extra responsibility will fall on the broad, experienced shoulders of big-hitting Levi to lay strong foundations in the powerplay.

Flies under the radar: Graeme White - Along with his consistent spin bowling, White also contributes valuable runs – evidenced by a 12-ball 37 not out against Birmingham to seal the Steelbacks’ quarter-final place last year.

Best Player Under 24: Saif Zaib - Having nailed down a regular place in Northants’ T20 side last season, the all-rounder will be aiming to build on glimpses of promise with both bat and ball.

Blast expectations: Despite featuring in three finals between 2013 and 2016, Northamptonshire have struggled in the tournament since the last of those, their second Blast success. The Steelbacks peaked early in 2020, winning four of their first five group matches before losing four on the trot and eventually scraping into to the quarter-finals.

But, although Alex Wakely – who captained Northants to both of those Blast victories – has retired, there is still plenty of experience within the squad at Wantage Road. Wayne Parnell, a Blast winner with Worcestershire Rapids in 2018, brings further depth to a capable seam attack led by Ben Sanderson, while off-spinner Mohammad Nabi also looks an astute overseas signing.