Aussie Copeland admits he would ‘love’ to return to Northants

Copeland finished his contracted County stint with yet another match-winning performance in the 10-wicket thrashing of Worcestershire on Friday.

He will now return to Australia to prepare for his season with New South Wales, and try to fully recover from a nagging ankle injury.

But Copeland, who will be asked by Northants to return for a second stint in August, has admitted he would like to return if that is possible.

“I made the decision to leave and you have to stick with it,” said Copeland, in an interview with BBC Radio Northampton.

“My priority is to be back home and to get my body right for the domestic season.

“It would be silly to think I could play a whole season in England, with a lingering ankle injury.

“If everything fell into place, then I would love to come back in August.

“There are a lot of things that do need to fall into place, but if everything works out then I would love to return.

“To have contributed as I have, and to help the boys get so close to sniffing at promotion, I would love to be back here when that got solidified.”

Copeland has been a revelation for the County, picking up 50 wickets in all competitions, and also scoring heavily with the bat.

He claimed nine wickets in the win over Worcester, six in the second innings, and the Australian was given a standing ovation by the crowd inside the County Ground as he left the field

“It was a fitting end to my little stint here,” said Copeland,

“Worcestershire were in second place having played a game more, and it was effectively a 40-point game.

“To have turned up and really dominated the game, and for me to contribute as I did, made me really happy.

“I have been happy with my whole time here, it has been great, the boys have been fantastic as has the whole atmosphere around the club.

“As I said, if I get the chance to come back then I would love to, but if I don’t I will be watching from home and hopefully seeing the boys get promoted.”

And Copeland also feels his departure won’t hit Northants’ LV= Championship Division Two promotion chances too hard, as there is plenty of talent waiting in the wings.

“I have been really impressed with not only the standard of the competition in England as a whole, but also the depth of the Northants squad,” said Copeland.

“That has been lacking in the past, but to have guys like Lee Daggett, Mohammad Azharullah and Luke Evans in back up ready to go when I leave, I think the club is in good hands.”

Northants return to action - without Copeland - in Tuesday’s championship clash against Leicestershire at Grace Road.