NORTHAMPTON — Northamptonshire Steelbacks captain David Willey has called for greater recognition of his team’s talent after their dominant start to the 2024 T20 Blast, insisting more of their players deserve opportunities in The Hundred.
Willey, who has represented England in all formats, made the remarks following the Steelbacks’ fourth consecutive victory in the competition, placing them firmly at the top of the North Group. The all-rounder believes the franchise-based Hundred tournament should feature more Northamptonshire players, given their recent performances.
Steelbacks' Stellar Start to the Season
Northamptonshire have been the standout team in this year’s T20 Blast, winning all four of their opening matches. Key contributions have come from:
- Ricardo Vasconcelos – 189 runs at a strike rate of 148
- David Willey – 8 wickets at an economy of 6.50
- Sikandar Raza – Match-winning all-round performances
Willey emphasized the team’s collective strength, stating, "We’ve got a fantastic group of players who are performing under pressure. It’s not just one or two individuals—everyone is stepping up, and that’s why we’re winning games."
The Hundred Snub: A Recurring Frustration
Despite their success, only a handful of Steelbacks players have been picked in The Hundred drafts. Willey himself will represent Northern Superchargers, while Sikandar Raza (Birmingham Phoenix) and Chris Lynn (Trent Rockets) are the other notable inclusions.
Willey expressed his frustration, saying, "It’s disappointing to see so many of our lads overlooked. Players like Ben Sanderson and Tom Taylor have been exceptional, yet they don’t get the recognition they deserve in these franchise leagues."
Case for Inclusion: Underrated Performers
Several Steelbacks players have made compelling cases for Hundred selection:
- Ben Sanderson – 10 wickets in 4 games, economy of 7.20
- Tom Taylor – Death-over specialist with a strike rate of 140
- Josh Cobb – Experienced campaigner with 150+ runs
Willey added, "These guys are match-winners. If you’re picking squads based on form, they should be in the conversation. It’s not just about big names—it’s about who’s delivering right now."
The Wider Debate: County vs. Franchise Recognition
The issue highlights a broader debate about how county performances translate to franchise opportunities. While The Hundred prioritizes star power, Willey argues that consistent performers in the T20 Blast should be rewarded.
"The Blast is one of the toughest T20 competitions in the world," Willey said. "If you’re doing well here, you should be in the mix for The Hundred. It’s as simple as that."
Looking Ahead: Steelbacks’ Title Ambitions
With momentum on their side, Northamptonshire are eyeing their first T20 Blast title since 2016. Willey believes their underdog status could work in their favor.
"We thrive when people underestimate us," he said. "This group has the skill and the belief to go all the way. And maybe then, more of our players will get the opportunities they’ve earned."
The Steelbacks’ next fixture is against local rivals Leicestershire Foxes, where another strong performance could further strengthen Willey’s argument for greater recognition of his squad.