Steelbacks to host Durham in t20 knockout

Having finished top of the Mid/West/Wales group with seven wins from their 10 outings, the Steelbacks were guaranteed a home tie and have been rewarded with a clash against Paul Collingwood’s side next Tuesday night (7.10pm).

Durham, who also include England pace bowler Graham Onions in their ranks, finished third in the North group behind winners Nottinghamshire and runners-up Lancashire.

They claimed six wins in their 10 games, and are coached by former Northants opening batsman and captain Geoff Cook, who is due back at work this week after recovering from a heart attack.

Durham are well placed in the LV= Championship Division One table, and are realistic title contenders, while in the Yorkshire Bank 40 they are currently top of Group B and heading for a semi-final place.

The other quarter-final ties will see Nottinghamshire host Essex at Trent Bridge on Thursday, Hampshire entertain Lancashire at the Rose Bowl a day earlier and Surrey, as reward for being the best placed runner-up, will face Somerset at The Oval in the first game on Tuesday.

The match will be played at the County Ground on Tuesday, August 6, starting at 7.10pm, with tickets going on sale to members from today.

They will then go on general sale from Friday.

A statement from Northants Cricket read: “Entry will be by ticket only and we are expecting a sell out for this game.

“Supporters are therefore advised to guarantee their ticket by purchasing in advance.

“Advance prices are as follows: Adult (Life members. White Ball Season Ticket Holders and Members): £18 with priority on Thursday, August 1 only

“Adult non-members: £20; Junior (Under 17): £5

“Tickets go on sale to t20 Members, Life Members and Members without t20 with priority on Thursday from 9am in person from the ticket office. Please bring your membership/season ticket card with you.

“To purchase online, members need to contact the club on Northampton 514455 for a promotional code and give their membership number.

“Advanced price tickets to non-members at Adult £20 and Junior £5 will go on general sale on Friday, August 2 via the internet www.northantcricket.com, or in person at the ticket office.

“The ticket office is located via the Abington Avenue gate and the hours will be as follows: Thursday 1st August: 10am to 6pm; Friday 2nd August : 9am to 6pm; Saturday 3rd August 9am to 6pm; Sunday 4th August 9am to 6pm; Monday 5th August 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 6th August 9am to 5pm.

“Any unsold tickets will be available on the day of the game priced at Adult £25, junior £8.”

The Friends Life t20 Finals Day will be staged at Edgbaston on Saturday, August 17.