Graeme White staying a Steelback as he signs new white-ball contract with Northants

The 33-year-old has been a key performer in the County's limited overs sides for a long time now, and was part of the team that won the T20 Blast in 2016.

He enjoyed another excellent Vitality T20 Blast campaign in 2020 as the Steelbacks reached the quarter-finals.

White has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal that will also see him step up his coaching role within the club and work with young players in the club’s Junior Pathway scheme.

“I’m delighted to be extending my time with the Steelbacks," said White, who hails from Milton Keynes.

"This is my home club and I’ve spent a lot of time here now and I’m looking forward to hopefully winning more trophies with them."

Left-arm spinner White is third in the club's all-time list of T20 wicket-takers and he was the Steelbacks' best and most consistent bowler in the 2020 Blast campaign, taking 12 wickets at 24.9 apiece.

He also provided some provided some fireworks with the bat down the order, most notably that sensational 37 not out from just 12 balls that secured the remarkable win over Birmingham Bears in the final group game of the campaign.

White believes there is still more to come from him, feeling he is now back to full fitness following the shoulder operation he underwent in 2018.

“I feel like I had a good season personally, everything clicked and it was coming out nicely when I was bowling," he said.

"Then when I came in towards the end I got a bit of luck and got a few out of the middle of the bat."

But he added: “I like to think I’ve got another gear, I like to think I’ve still got even more to give.

"It’s been a couple of years since my shoulder surgery and it’s the best I feel physically now so I’m confident I can still get better and continue helping the team get over the line and win more games.”

Head coach David Ripley branded White a 'true professional', and spoke of his delight that the all-rounder is staying at Wantage Road.

“There’s a lot of respect for Graeme around the squad and cricket in general," said Ripley.

"Not only does he bat, bowl, field, but he has leadership skills too and he’s just a great man to have in your squad.

"The side always looks stronger with Graeme in it, the standards he has and sets himself and his work ethic are incredible.”

With the signing of the new deal, White also has one eye on the future.

“The next stage of my career is definitely going down the coaching path and I very much wanted that to be at Northamptonshire," said White, who is in the process of completing the ECB Specialist Coaching Programme.

"I’m excited to try and help the next generation to improve and keep striving to get better and bring more success to the club.”