Northamptonshire keep winning in T20 Blast – and lend a hand at Lord’s

David Willey led Northamptonshire to victory against Durham in Chester-le-Street. Photograph: Andy Kearns/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenDavid Willey led Northamptonshire to victory against Durham in Chester-le-Street. Photograph: Andy Kearns/Getty ImagesGuardian Sport NetworkCricketNorthamptonshire keep winning in T20 Blast – and lend a hand at Lord’sThe county won again in the Blast while two of their former players opened for England against New Zealand By the 99.94 Cricket BlogGary NaylorTue 9 Jun 2026 13.54 BSTLast modified on Tue 9 Jun 2026 14.01 BSTSharePrefer the Guardian on Google1. Steelbacks’ record still stainlessIt was pleasing to hear Emilio Gay use his TV interview after his strong Test debut against New Zealand to talk about how two Northamptonshire lads had opened together for England at Lord’s, Ben Duckett having also started his career at Wantage Road. If they still keep an eye on Northants’ results, they would have seen five wins from five in the T20 Blast, enough to top the Central and West Group.That record looked in danger at Chester-le-Street after they lost their two Australian batters (Chris Lynn and Nathan McSweeney) for three runs and, with no stand accumulating even 50, Durham were favourites at the halfway mark.But David Willey and Ben Sanderson are as canny as they come in the powerplay and they did not panic. As is so often the case, the match turned on the overs delivered by the fifth bowler, Willey turning to Saif Zaib and James Sales. The two batting all-rounders combined for 4-0-26-3 and Northamptonshire enjoyed their long trip home with another four points in the bank.2. Taylor cuts his cloth to bowl out WorcestershireGloucestershire are second in the table, also on 20 points but having played a game more. Jack Taylor’s team won a tight one at home to Worcestershire to complete a hat-trick of victories.A target of 149 requires wickets to defend it and Taylor knows he has a couple of howitzers he can release to that end. Marc...