Crucial week for Steelbacks starts in Nottingham

David Sales returns to the Steelbacks' squad for the trip to Trent Bridge

Northamptonshire’s bid for a semi-final place in the Yorkshire Bank 40 faces an important few days.

Alex Wakely’s side, who are second in their group, visit Trent Bridge tomorrow (Sunday) to face the leaders Nottinghamshire before a pair of home games against Kent on Tuesday and the Netherlands two days later.

The Steelbacks, as things stand, are three points adrift of Notts and need a strong finish in their final four group games if they are to make it into the last four with only one side automatically qualifying from each of the three groups.

That leaves one place for a runner-up and if the Steelbacks lose this weekend then that is likely to be their best bet for advancement.

If, however, they can come out on top then they have a real chance of overhauling Notts and claiming the top spot.

On the personnel front, David Sales returns to the squad after missing the entire Twenty20 campaign and Ben Duckett has returned to England Under-19 duty.

Andrew Hall is a notable absentee but there is as place for Steven Crook who missed the last YB40 outing against Worcestershire through injury.

Steelbacks from: Wakely, Willey, Coetzer, White, Sales, Crook, Spriegel, Middlebrook, Murphy, Daggett, Azharullah, Keogh, Stone.