Northants Preview: Rapids look to revive t20 campaign

Vitality T20 Blast North Group: Northants Steelbacks v Worcestershire Rapids

Venue: The County Ground, Northampton

Date: Sunday 6th July

Scheduled start time: 3pm

Worcestershire Rapids return to T20 Blast action on Sunday as they travel to Northampton, hoping to bounce back from defeat against Yorkshire on Friday evening.

Currently in the bottom-half of the table as things stand, the Rapids must build fashion some consistency if they are to launch a late charge for the quarter-final stages of the competition.

Northants’ Ben Sanderson stole the show as he returned figures of 6-8 in a simply outstanding bowling display as Northants Steelbacks hurried to a 31-run win over Worcestershire Rapids in the Vitality Blast North Group.

With Northants setting the home side 191 to win, it was Fateh Singh (1-16) who returned the best figures amongst the hosts bowlers.

In reply, the Rapids struggled got a foothold in the game, with five batters making scores over 20, but regular wickets hampering their pursuit of a competitive score as nobody could quite kick-on.

Sanderson’s exceptional evening was capped off with a hat-trick as the Rapids fell to a first home defeat of the season.

Tom Taylor says he “can’t wait” for Sunday’s T20 date with Northants, as he returns to face his former employers

Taylor, joined Worcestershire from Northants back in 2023, after spending three-years at The County Ground, having previously played his cricket at Leicestershire and Derbyshire.

Since moving to Visit Worcestershire New Road, Taylor has cemented himself as one of the side’s key-figures, with 2025 proving a standout season across both formats.

Taylor, who didn’t feature in the reverse fixture earlier in the competition, is relishing the prospect of a trip back to the place he once called home.

“I had a really good couple of years there and I look back on my time really positively – but I can’t wait to get up there this weekend and get to work with the lads. 

“It isn’t something you really think about until the time comes around, but I guess it might add a little bit more fuel to my want to win the game. 

“The most important thing for us is doing everything we can to win the game. I wasn’t involved in the game at ours, but we all know how dangerous they are and what they can do, so we will just worry about what we are doing.

“It is a nice place to play cricket and they are a good side, so all in all, it is set up quite nicely really.”

One of the leading bowlers in Division One of the Rothesay County Championship this season, Taylor has bowled with excellent accuracy and consistency, picking up 35 wickets with the red-ball.

Symptomatic of his team’s performances, Taylor has not made quite the same impact in the Blast as yet, but is keen to change that narrative.

“We have been really good in parts, but not quite put it all together consistently yet. The game at Edgbaston was a really tough one to take, but it did highlight exactly what we can do when we all come together as bowlers. 

“The game moves so fast when you are out there, you have to stick to your plans, and I have had a good year with the red-ball, so I want to try and transfer that into the Blast for these next few games.

“There are some similarities, of course, but the plans have to be so adaptable and able to change so quickly, as a bowler it is important to be ready to play what is in front of you. 

With his side currently sat seventh in the North Group, the run of two away games that now face the Rapids will determine whether or not they progress to the quarter-final stages.

With 2018’s famous Blast victory still engrained in the memory of those at the club, Taylor is refusing to look too far ahead, as Worcestershire face trips to Northants and Derbyshire, next week, before returning home to face rivals Birmingham Bears.

“We know what the schedule looks like, but we will continue to take things game by game.

“We just have to bring our best cricket each match, build partnerships with the bat, build pressure and take wickets with the ball, and put ourselves in positions to win matches. 

“Everyone in the group knows their roles, they key thing now is taking that to Northants and delivering the best we can.”

Last Blast result: Lost to Lancashire Lightning by five wickets

Table position: Third

One to watch: Ben Sanderson

The Steelbacks have made a superb start to the Blast this year, winning their opening six games on the bounce, before faltering and falling to three consecutive defeats.

Setting a remarkable pace in the North group, the 2013 and 2016 winners will be hoping they can get back on track and wrestle back some momentum in their quest for a third T20 Blast trophy.

Having travelled to Visit Worcestershire New Road earlier in the campaign and running out comfortable winners, the hosts will be looking to tap into that early season form against the Rapids.

Darren Lehman’s side have a weaponry of bowlers at their disposal, but Worcestershire will be all too aware of the Steelbacks’ biggest threat this year – seamer, Ben Sanderson.

His sensational 6-8, that included a hat-trick, recorded against the Rapids back in June, will serve as a timely reminder of the threat that lies in wait.

Sanderson has enjoyed a stellar campaign to date, accumulating 22 wickets at an average of just over 11, and will no doubt be looking to continue his excellent white-ball form on Sunday when his side entertain Worcestershire.