Match Preview | County Championship | Northamptonshire | 24-27 September 2025

Leicestershire’s coronation countdown has begun. As the curtain comes down on an unforgettable 2025 season, the Foxes know - whatever happens - the Division Two trophy will be in their hands before the week is out.

After cementing their status as champions with the draw against Kent last week, Alfonso Thomas’ men will be hoping to crown a triumphant campaign with victory over Northamptonshire before raising their prize aloft.

The hosts will be bidding to respond to last week’s disappointing defeat at Gloucestershire, with Darren Lehmann’s Steelbacks currently sitting seventh in the table heading into the final round.

Squad:

Two additions to the squad, as the fit-again Liam Trevaskis returns alongside Alex Green, who is back from England Under-19s duty. Matt Salisbury and Shan Masood “ who has flown home to Pakistan “ drop out. Rehan Ahmed is rested.

It will be a special occasion for Chris Wright, who is set to play the 414th and final game of his illustrious career after announcing his retirement plans ahead of last week’s clash with Kent.

Leicestershire, Budinger, Cox+, Eskinazi, A Green, Hill, Holland*, Hull, Kimber, Patel, Tattersall, Trevaskis, van Beek, Wright.

Last Time We Met:

In the middle of Leicestershire’s early season purple-patch, the Foxes completed their third three-day win of the opening five rounds with a comprehensive 132-run win over Northamptonshire.

Rishi Patel made a first innings century in testing conditions while four wickets for Logan van Beek (4/47) later helped the Foxes to a lead of 113.

Setting the away side 389 to win, Josh Hull tore through the visiting top order before Rehan Ahmed bowled Ben Sanderson to complete victory inside three days

Fox to Watch:

With Shan Masood heading home to Pakistan earlier this week, there may be an opportunity for new recruit Jonny Tattersall to make his Leicestershire debut at The County Ground.

The former Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batter has amassed more than 3,000 runs in the first-class arena, bested by an unbeaten 180 against Surrey, and is expected to slot into the middle order for his first Foxes appearance.

A gritty batter, the 30-year-old has the qualities to compliment the likes of Lewis Hill and Stevie Eskinazi around him, while his leadership skills “ having captained Yorkshire to promotion last term “ will also be a welcome addition in the absence of Peter Handscomb.

Opposition Player to Watch:

As far as red-ball summers go, Saif Zaib can class his as a pretty good one. The all-rounder tops the division’s run charts with a whopping 1,305 at an average of 65.25, featuring six centuries.

His left-arm spin has also accounted for a dozen wickets at 24.58 each, showcasing his ability to influence games with both bat and ball.

Follow The Action:

A play-by-play feed will be available via our X account (@leicsccc), with updates also issued on Facebook (Leicestershire County Cricket Club) and Instagram (@leicsccc). Our Match Centre will also be in operation, housing a live stream, scorecards and selected clips of the action.