Northamptonshire have enjoyed a sterling start to 2011. Top of the County Championship Division 2 and second in the Clydesdale Bank 40 Group B, the side was undefeated ahead of the start of the Friends Life t20. We caught up with the skipper and wicket-keeper ahead of the t20s to see how they were feeling and what their thoughts were ahead of the County season’s most glamorous tournament.
Niall O'Brien, left, and Andrew Hall are hoping that Northants can compete in all three formats in 2011
The obvious starting point to our discussion was Northants’ unbeaten start to 2011. “We’re playing really well,” says Andrew Hall, captain of Northants. “The guys have worked hard, physically and mentally and that is paying off. Team wise, we’re really enjoying each other’s company and success. Going into the t20s, it’s all about maintaining this little bubble for as long as we can.”
“We’ve had a good focus for the last seven or eight weeks on the County Championship and the CB40, now it’s time to focus on the t20s,” adds Niall O’Brien. “We’re in a great position in both competitions and now we can go hard at the t20 and be in a great position in three competitions by the end of June and really kick on from there.”
There is certainly a mood of optimism around the two, reflective of two guys who are enjoying their cricket. Far from resting on their laurels, however, there is a clear desire to prove a point, and some opinions around the game rankle at ‘unfashionable’ counties such as Northants. I ask if there is any temptation to focus primarily on one of the three competitions, a question O’Brien jumps on.
“At a club like Northampton we have to go hard at all of the competitions to prove a lot of people wrong in England, at the ECB and people around the County circuit who say that clubs like Northants, Leicester, Derbyshire, shouldn’t be playing County Cricket,” he says. “We’re slowly but surely turning people’s attitudes. There are some great youngsters coming through and we’re starting to play some great cricket in four day and one day cricket. The coach and the captain want us to try and win all three trophies and there is no reason why we can’t go out there and try to do that.”
The skipper is slightly less defiant but echoes similar sentiments. “We’ve always been there or there about in the Championship and we’ve always competed well in the t20s,” Hall says. “This year we wanted to place a bit more emphasis on our CB40 campaign and that’s really kicked off for us. In the t20 format, with the blend of players that we’ve got, talent, youth and experience, well; if we get it right I don’t feel that there are many teams out there that are going to be able to cope with us.”
Hall and O'Brien celebrate a wicket vs Warwickshire in the CB40
One of the reasons that clubs such a Northants, Leicester and Derbyshire have come under such negative scrutiny is a result of a feeling that there is too much cricket being played. Less glamorous clubs are disposable in some eyes, diluting the talent pool. It’s a harsh assessment, especially in the eyes of those who have witnessed some of the cricket that has been played at the County Ground. Do the players see too much cricket as being a problem?
Hall attempts to put the problem into perspective; “A lot of guys always feel that there’s too much cricket,” he begins. “I don’t think it’s to do with too much cricket, rather it’s about the amount of rest days that you get in between. With us having a very good squad at the moment and playing well and guys being fit, that type of thing doesn’t seem to matter. When you’ve got a couple of niggles in the squad and you’re struggling with a bit of form then one game flows into the next one and the next one; then it can seem like a very long season.”
“I love playing cricket and feel blessed and privileged to play cricket for a living,” says O’Brien, enthusiastically. “My friends at home give me abuse saying, ‘it’s not really work mate, you’re running around the pitch with your friends,’ and they’re doing office jobs that they don’t really want to be in. As Hally (Andrew Hall) said, we’re playing fantastic cricket and when you’re doing well you want to play as much cricket as possible.”
With an emphasis on rest days, what do the players like to do with these hallowed days away from cricket? “Golf! That’s pretty much it!” laughs the skipper. “I enjoy playing it, not watching it so much, but just to get away from cricket for a while. I’m slowly starting to get back into cycling again, too. Just to get out there, clear your mind so to speak and get away from cricket for a while. That’s the main thing, recharge the batteries and do something that you enjoy.”
“I used to like playing golf, but I’m a bit of fiery red head, so I haven’t played for a while!” states O’Brien, to knowing laughter from his captain. “I try and watch as much live football and rugby as I can, and to head back to Dublin to see my friends and family and enjoy a few pints of the black stuff! I’ve also set up my own coaching business, trying to help the next generation of Irish and Northants cricketers.”
The conversation turns back to cricket fairly swiftly. Everything else is but a distraction to two guys desperate to continue their good form through 2011. The start enjoyed by Northants is in no small part down to the experience within the squad. Hall and Johan Botha have both enjoyed distinguished international careers. O’Brien, too, has enjoyed success in the emerald green shirt of Ireland and experienced pros such as Mal Loye and James Middlebrook add to the experience within the squad. One signing this summer, however, has brought the experience of 755 international wickets to the squad.
Chaminda Vass has brought a wealth of experience to Northants
“Just the way (Chaminda) Vaas approaches his game,” says Hall, clearly impressed by the methods employed by his new team mate. “He is very much about the mental side of the game. He’ll go out there and do his work, but he’s not the sort of guy who feels that he needs to bowl for two hours before a game to prepare. He can go out there and bowl two balls or hit 20 balls and feel good within himself. He knows if he gets his mind down to it he can do it. That’s getting through to the guys, they’re finding their own preparation methods and it’s working really well for them.”
With so much experience knocking about for the youngsters at Northants to learn from, I enquire as to who we should be keeping an eye open for. “Alex Wakely has shown good promise this season with the bat and should develop into a potential England player,” recommends O’Brien. “He hits the ball very cleanly and seems a natural player to develop in the t20 game. t20 often throws up a surprise and for someone like Lee Daggett, it could be his summer.”
“I’m personally hoping someone like Jack Brooks comes through,” adds Hall. “He’s a big prospect. If he can hit his straps and get us into winning positions; I’ll be really happy with that.”
Finally, I ask who, if anyone, they are wary of heading into the t20 tournament. “Everybody!” exclaims Hall. “I don’t think you can look at one team and write them off. One over, one player, can change a match. We’ll be taking it one game at a time, looking at the next opposition and being as best prepared as we can.”
O’Brien is more forthright with his view; “I think Essex look strong,” he states. “They play well at Chelmsford and their crowds can be hostile and they’ve got some shrewd overseas signings in Scott Styris and Tim Southee. People like Ryan ten Doeschate, Owais Shah; Ravi Bopara will be available for the whole tournament. Graham Napier’s into form now, blazing sixes. Essex will be very hard to beat.”
As will Northants. They have already shown in 2011 that they are no pushovers and are determined to be recognised at the top table of County cricket. Whilst they are not the most glamorous or affluent County on the circuit, they are a well led and well organised outfit.
Since our conversation Northants have lost one and won one of their t20 fixtures. Victory in this tournament would do wonders to raise their profile and few would begrudge them that.
The Cricket Blog’s Miles Reucroft spoke to Andrew Hall and Niall O’Brien over a pint of Old Speckled Hen. The Official Beer of Northants CCC, and shirt sponsor for the Friends Life t20 competition, is getting behind the Steelbacks this summer.
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