Northamptonshire 2026 T20 Blast Cricket Draft Preview
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Overview
Northamptonshire enters the new format following a powerful 2025 campaign. The Steelbacks reached Finals Day but were ultimately undone by Hampshire in the semi-finals. After finishing third in their group with an 8-6 record, they secured a memorable quarter-final win against Surrey at The Oval, fueled by Ravi Bopara’s incredible unbeaten 105 from just 46 deliveries.
This follows a strong 2024 season where they finished second in the North Group before falling to Somerset. Having maintained their core group, the squad looks formidable: Chris Lynn returns after his 2023 stint, Calvin Harrison joins permanently following a successful red-ball loan, and Louis Kimber arrives as a proven white-ball threat from Leicestershire.
Banker/Wildcard/Young Gun/England Pick
Banker: David Willey (ALR)
The undisputed main man at Northants. Willey’s high match involvement, spearheading the new ball attack and batting up the order, makes him an essential draft pick. Last summer, he delivered 452 runs (including four half-centuries) and 20 wickets. He is the definition of a "banker" selection.
Wildcard: Ben Sanderson (BWL)
Sanderson has been remarkably consistent for the Steelbacks. In 2025, he was the competition’s third-highest wicket-taker with 26 scalps. His previous seasons were equally impressive: 15 wickets at an average of 25 in 2024, and 14 wickets at a stellar 16.42 (with an economy of just 6.76) in 2023. He offers elite production without the premium price tag of a major overseas star.
Young Gun: Raphael Weatherall (BWL)
After missing last season due to injury, the 21-year-old is a "buy low" candidate. In 2024, he took 11 wickets across nine T20 matches at an average of 22.09. Valued at just £5.5m, Weatherall is a high-upside pick looking to reclaim his regular spot in the XI.
England Watch: Saif Zaib (ALR)
A versatile left-hander, Zaib offers high involvement as a top-order batter, a reliable bowling option, and an elite fielder. He scored 302 runs last summer with a striking 158.11 strike rate; this follows a 2024 campaign of 275 runs at 167.68. Another consistent season will make him a rewarding asset for any squad.
Potential Strongest T20 Blast Starting XI
No | Player | Role |
1 | Ricardo Vasconcelos | WKT |
2 | Chris Lynn (OS) | BAT |
3 | David Willey | ALR |
4 | Saif Zaib | ALR |
5 | Louis Kimber | BAT |
6 | Luke Proctor | ALR |
7 | Lewis McManus | WKT |
8 | Calvin Harrison | ALR |
9 | Raphy Weatherall | BWL |
10 | George Scrimshaw | BWL |
11 | Ben Sanderson | BWL |
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