Newton a doubt for visit of the Foxes

Northamptonshire Steelbacks could be forced to make one change when they host Leicestershire Foxes in the Natwest t20 Blast tonight (Friday).
Ian Butler is expected to be fit to make his home Natwset t20 Blast debut against LeicestershireIan Butler is expected to be fit to make his home Natwset t20 Blast debut against Leicestershire
Ian Butler is expected to be fit to make his home Natwset t20 Blast debut against Leicestershire

The middle order batsman has a damaged thumb and will be replaced by David Sales if he is not fit to take his place in the line-up and that is a scenario head coach David Ripley thinks will be the case.

He said: “Rob thinks he’s fit but the thumb is quite swollen and it isn’t a Championship game where you can knock the ball around.

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“In Twenty20 cricket the ball needs to be muscled over the boundary and we need players who are able to do that.

“I think David will probably play but anything outside of that will be emergency.”

Ripley also admitted that Ian Butler didn’t pull up in the best of shape following the four-day defeat to Middlesex but that can be put down to his lack of first-class cricket.

He added: “Ian’s got a few aches and pains but he’s been very honest about where he is physically.

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“We need to be a bit cautious with him but he should be alright.”

The Steelbacks will face a Foxes side who got their competition off to a winning start as they eased past Derbyshire to thye tune of 27 runs.

New signing Scott Styris hammered 63 from 31 balls and Nathan Buck was the pick of their attack with 3-26 from his four overs.

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