Ripley hopes skipper is back for last encounter

Stephen Peters could still play a part in Northamptonshire’s final game of the season although his long-term future remains uncertain.
Stephen PetersStephen Peters
Stephen Peters

The County this week announced the 35-year-old would be replaced as club captain by Alex Wakely and Peters was subsequently absent from the side’s humiliating LV= County Championship loss to Durham.

Now, at the end of a campaign that has seen them relegated from Division One with a record low points total, the club appear to be rebuilding with a more youthful approach.

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David Sales and Andrew Hall - players in their late thirties - are both leaving the club while Adam Rossington (22) and Josh Cobb (24) have been brought in.

The decision to have 25-year-old Wakely - who will have David Willey (24) as his vice-captain - take over from Peters looks to be another step in bringing a fresh outlook to a team that have been consistently pummelled in four-day cricket this summer.

However, head coach David Ripley hopes the man who led them to promotion last year is available for the final match of 2014 when the County entertain Sussex next week.

“I hope Stephen will be back and captaining the side in the last game,” Ripley said.

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“It would be nice for him to see the season out in charge of the side.

“It’s been a tough year but it would be good to have a real go at the last game and try to finish with a good performance.

“The club have taken a different route on the captaincy for next season and Stephen has asked to open the way for him to explore other options.

“He’s got a year left on his contract but, as far as his future is concerned, I’m not sure what is going to happen and the ball is in his court.”