Broad hails bowling options as Steelbacks target sixth straight Blast win
Justin Broad believes the Steelbacks' extensive bowling options are going to carry them a long way in this year's Vitality Blast competition as they aim to make it six wins out of six when they host Worcestershire Rapids on Tuesday night (start 6.30pm).
After a great start to the competition that has seen Northants win their first five matches, much has been made of Northants' deep batting line-up.
It is so strong that proven performer James Sales is batting at nine in a side that includes the likes of Chris Lynn, Nathan McSweeney, David Willey, Saif Zaib and Broad himself.
But skipper Willey also has plenty of options with the ball, and Broad feels that is going to be just as crucial when the second half of the competition resumes on June 26 following a two-week break for County Championship action that starts after the Rapids encounter.
The wealth of bowling riches at Willey's disposal was highlighted last Saturday night when Northants were able to restrict Durham to 138 for eight in the seven-run win at Chester-Le-Street without even using fast bowler George Scrimshaw.
Willey used six bowlers in himself, Ben Sanderson, McSweeney, Calvin Harrison, Zaib and Sales, as well as still having Scrimshaw up his sleeve, and Broad believes that strength in bowling depth is going to be key.
"Dave skippered really well, and summed the wicket up," Broad told BBC Northampton.
"There was obviously a bit of turn there, it wasn't easy to get hold of the spinners, so having that depth with the ball as well is also huge
"One of the keys to our success at the moment is the fact we have depth in both batting and bowling, and anyone can do their bit at any stage."
On Scrimshaw not bowling a ball, Broad revealed: "It was said in the meeting before about the match-ups with their batters.
"Scrim is a wicket-taker so we might have used him for one or two overs, but Willo thought the match-ups weren't right.
"Fair play to Scrim, he completely understands that.
"He has been amazing for us in the tournament so far and he will have a big role to play in the games ahead."
One other bowling option the Steelbacks could have in the future is Broad himself.
The 25-year-old has so far been unable to bowl this summer due to a back issue, but he is hoping to get the ball back in hand sooner rather than later.
"I am an all-rounder and I have been very frustrated at not being able to bowl," admitted Broad.
"Hopefully my back will get better soon and I will be able to contribute with both bat and ball.
"But it is good to be batting nicely and hopefully I can get a few more innings."
After Tuesday's T20 date with Worcestershire, Northants return to red ball cricket on Friday when they host Gloucestershire in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two.