Darren Lehmann happy as ‘oustanding’ Nathan McSweeney commits to Northants
Head coach Darren Lehmann has warmly welcomed the news the 'outstanding' Nathan McSweeney has signed a new deal to return to Northants next season.
The 27-year-old has agreed to another stint at the cinch County Ground, signing on for the 2027 campaign having enjoyed an outstanding first three months of the current season.
The South Australia skipper was initially signed by Lehmann in the winter, and he has hit the ground running in both red and white ball cricket at Wantage Road.
He has hit three centuries and two half-centuries to lead the club's run-scoring charts in the Rothesay County Championship, while he has also scored two 50s in the Steelbacks' perfect Vitality Blast start.
McSweeney has also been named the Steelbacks captain for the forthcoming Metro Bank One Day Cup, and his deal for next season is again an all-format one.
"We're so pleased that someone of Nathan's calibre is deciding to stay with us," said Lehmann, who hails from South Australia.
"He's been outstanding on and off the field and he's a leader within our group who's shown a love for the club.
"He's worked on his game and he wants to continue to help other players out which is very good for our culture and the development of our players.
"The players really enjoy him being around and he's a pleasure to coach, so it's an easy signing for us."
McSweeney's most recent starring role with the bat for Northants was in the eight-wicket Blast win at Gloucestershire on Wednesday night.
The right-hander opened the batting in place of the injured Chris Lynn and hit an unbeaten 72 to help the Steelbacks chase down their 185 target to seal an eighth win out of eight, and it was a performance that impressed, but didn't surprise, his head coach.
"Nathan played brilliantly and got us off to a flyer," Lehmann told BBC Northampton.
"We needed that, and when you lose somebody like Chris Lynn you need that explosiveness, and Nathan took that on with Vasco.
"We got 60 in the powerplay and that really set us on the road to chasing the total down.
"I am really pleased for Nathan, because I don't think there is a harder worker in the game.
"He has been a magnificent find for us.
"We know he is a good player, but it is just the way he has gelled into the group and he has really settled in nicely."
McSweeney has signed on for the whole of 2027 campaign, but there is also the chance he could be picked for the Australia tour to England for the Ashes.
McSweeney has won three Test caps for his country, but hasn’t played sicne December, 2024.