Ambitious Steelbacks star Rossington hoping he can still be part of The Hundred

On top of being denied the chance to captain Northants on what should have been their long-awaited return to the top flight of the County Championship, the hard-hitting batsman is also missing out on being part of The Hundred ‘revolution’.

The ECB’s new flagship competition was due to start in July, with cricketing stars from all over the world travelling to the UK to take part in the new eight-franchise league.

Rossington was the sole Northants player to be selected in The Hundred draft last year, being named as part of the 16-man London Spirit team which was due to be based at Lord’s, and coached by Aussie legend Shane Warne.

But the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to that, with the launch of the competition now being postponed until the summer of 2021.

Rossington is well aware that there are currently more important things to worry about than being denied the chance to play cricket as ‘there are worse things happening’ in the world, but it is still a huge frustration and disappointment for him.

Playing in The Hundred would have been a great showcase for one of the Stelbacks' most explosive performers to display his talent as a batsman and wicket-keeper, and he was really looking forward to it.

Indeed, it would have been a big stage for Rossington to play on, and perhaps even give him the chance to give the England selectors a bit of nudge.

“It is something different to try, and I don’t see any harm in trying something like The Hundred if it brings in a new audience, and things like that,” said Rossington.

“You only have to look and see how successful T20 cricket was when it started and came in, and I think it is one of those things where I don’t see the harm in giving it a go and seeing how it works out.”

“For me in sport, it is one those things that I am always striving to get better and to play as high a level as I can..

“There is a lot of franchise cricket out there, and international cricket, and obviously England are very strong at the minute, but it is still something you strive for.

“You have to hope that if you just carry on putting performances in for your county, then you might get further recognition.”

But for now The Hundred has been put on the backburner, and Rossington admits he is hoping he will get the chance to play next summer.

It has been suggested that this year’s contract will be carried on until 2021, but the Northants skipper said: “We are still not sure what is going to happen yet, and I think they are still involved in talks.

“I don’t know what people’s availability will be, especially if there is any backlog of international cricket and things like that.

“I think they are still working through things, but hopefully I will be involved with it next year.”