Competitive County Championship is 'great for the game' says head coach Lehmann

The County's rain-affected draw with Kent means both sides are now level on points in division two, as they chase the second promotion place behind runaway leaders Durham.

With four matches to go, things couldn't be any tighter as both Northants and Kent target top flight cricket, and in division one, the race the title is also incredibly close.

Just eight points separate leaders Nottinghamshire and third-placed Warwickshire, while at the other end, there are only 19 points between rock-bottom Hampshire and third-from-bottom Surrey.

There is all to play for in the final month of the campaign, and after seeing his side claim maximum bonus points from the draw with Kent to draw level on points with the rivals, Lehmann was pretty pleased.

“I look at the division one table and go, wow, that's tight, and then I look at the division two table and it's tight as well," said the Australian.

"So that's great for the game, isn't it? The county game in general.

"We've got the leaders in the competition next, but the match with Kent was a one for both sides.

"They'll be happy with it, and we're happy with it.

"You can't control the weather and you'd have love four whole days of the game, but it did ebb and flow."

Although neither side could push for the win at the cinch County Ground as close to two days' play was lost to rain, the final day was still highly competitive as both sides strived to claim bonus points that could prove crucial come the end of the season.

Northants did superbly to reach 450 for six declared and clinch the maximum five batting points to go with the maximum three they got for bowling Kent out for 345.

But Kent were also happy as the dismissal of George Bartlett with the total on 449 saw them claim a second bowling point, that ensures they stay above Northants in the table by virture of having won one more game!

“The great thing about bonus points is exactly that interesting last half hour, how it plays out," said Lehmann.

"They probably could change the format (of the bonus points system) a little bit, but it's not a big one for me here or there.

"You got to play good cricket to win games, and we showed that we're competitive enough.

"The wicket was good, it took some spin which was pleasing.

"I thought both sides played well and can probably walk away happy, considering the weather. Now it's onto the last four games.”

And looking ahead to the Durham clash that starts on Wednesday, Lehmann said: "They are a very good side.

"We pushed them up at Durham earlier on in the year, so we now get a chance to play down here at home in front of a really big crowd here at the cinch County Ground.

"Hopefully everyone comes out to watch some quality cricket."

The game against Durham starts at 10.30am at Wantage Road on Wednesday.

Quotes courtesy of Jeremy Blackmore