Wakely: Don’t expect Foxes to roll over any more

A battle with their nearest rivals looms large for Northamptonshire this weekend.
Alex WakelyAlex Wakely
Alex Wakely

They get their LV= County Championship campaign going again on Sunday after a brief hiatus that has seen them without any action in the second round of matches.

And it will be Leicestershire who provide the opposition.

The Foxes come with a reputation as whipping boys having not tasted victory in the Championship since September 2012 and have won just four times since 2010.

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However, with change having taken place at Grace Road over the winter, County captain Alex Wakely is sure the test for his side will harder than many imagine.

“I think the days of Leicestershire just rolling over are gone,” he stated.

“They’ve got a new captain, a new manager and they will be a much tougher prospect than in recent years.

“There will be a different culture there now.

“That said, I believe our side is better than their side and I would expect us to go their beat them.

“It is a game I expect us to do well.

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“But cricket is a funny thing sometimes and there is no way we can take them lightly because of what has happened in recent seasons.”

Wakely also admits Northamptonshire will be tapping the knowledge of former Leicestershire man Josh Cobb in a bid to get an edge.

The change in personnel has been great north of the county border - including Cobb heading south to become a Steelback.

Wakely has been impressed by the club’s new recruit and will also pick his brains about what to expect on Sunday.

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He added: “When we have our team meeting, Josh will go through their batsmen and bowlers and give us a bit of information on them.

“That is definitely something we will use.

“I am sure he will look forward to playing against them as well.

“In the Gloucestershire match I thought he did very well.

“I hadn’t seen him play for probably four or five years but that was the best I have seen of him.

“He looked still and composed. He got out in a silly way and was frustrated by that but he did a great job for us and looked in good shape.

“I think the change has done him good and a fresh challenge and fresh outlook will help him get better and better.”