Willey in line for Championship return

The all-rounder missed last week’s trip to Essex due to England Lions commitments and comes straight back into the reckoning.

Stephen Peters’ side currently lie in second place in Division Two, 31 points above Essex who have a game in hand, and the captain is well aware of what needs to be done in the last few weeks of the season.

He said: “I believe that we need to win at least one, and probably two, of the last four games to go up.

“I’d like to think that 16 good days of consistent cricket will be enough but I’m wary that it’s getting to silly season where there are declarations and run chases as people try to set up results.

“But even though that’s the case, we’ll try to keep doing the same as we have all season.”

As for the make-up of the side, Peters said that a late decision will be made.

He added: “We’ve got two home games to go and we’ll have to decide whether we have to go all out to win both of those and whether taking 40 wickets is the priority.

“That might mean playing five seamers but if we do change tack I don’t think it will make too much difference.

“The batting won’t be weakened and whatever we decide we’ll be going in with a strong team.”

As for their opponents, who are still in with a slim chance of reaching the top two places, Peters knows they will provide a significant challenge.

He said: “They’ve had a pretty good season with their results better than last year and they’ve got some players in fine form.

“We know what they’re all about and it will be a big test for us.”

Northants from: Peters, Middlebrook, Sales, Wakely, Duckett, Hall, Keogh, Willey, Crook, Copeland, Azharullah, Murphy.