Skipper Cobb says big-hitting Steelbacks will be staying on the attack

Josh Cobb says the on-song Steelbacks will continue with their all-guns-blazing approach to batting when the Vitality T20 Blast resumes at the County Ground on Friday afternoon.
Paul Stirling is the Steelbacks' top run-scorer this seasonPaul Stirling is the Steelbacks' top run-scorer this season
Paul Stirling is the Steelbacks' top run-scorer this season

Northants entertain second-placed Gloucestershire in a huge top of the table clash at Wantage Road (start 2.30pm), and it is a game that the Steelbacks will be attacking in exactly the same way as they have all of their group matches to date.

With the ball, the unbeaten County have produced some outstanding performances to date, utilising their numerous pace and spin options, and backing that up with some excellent fielding to strangle their opposition in every match.

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With the bat, Steelbacks openers Paul Stirling and Richard Levi have started each innings in exactly the same way, regardless of the situation.

Richard Levi has been in good form for the SteelbacksRichard Levi has been in good form for the Steelbacks
Richard Levi has been in good form for the Steelbacks

Hitting big shots has been the name of the game for both players, and between them they have smashed 15 sixes and 22 fours - a total of 178 runs in boundaries alone - in just four matches, and they have done it in double quick time.

The one down side has been that, aside from Stirling’s 80 not out in the opening win at Worcestershire Rapids, their stays at the crease have been all too brief.

But the big-hitting pair have still set the tone in every innings, notching up quickfire stands of 107, 30, 40 and 50, and Cobb wants them to keep on swinging.

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“I think the intent that the two at the top have started with has been outstanding in every game,” said the Steelbacks skipper.

Steelbacks skipper Josh CobbSteelbacks skipper Josh Cobb
Steelbacks skipper Josh Cobb

“Stirlo has got a big score, and although recently they might not have got the big scores, the intent they are putting to the opposition is really giving the team a great start.

“Long may that continue, and hopefully if they can stay in a little bit longer then it could be exciting times.

“But if you are chasing 160 and you have a couple of overs that go for 15 or 20, then you are down to six and over, and that is crucial.”

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That was the case in last Thursday’s win over Glamorgan in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras at Edgbaston, where the pair put on 50 runs in just 25 balls, leaving the Steelbacks needing 111 to win in 15.5 overs.

They hit a few bumps in the road but managed to get there with four balls to spare, with that flying start from their larger than life opening pair playing a huge part, but Cobb accepts the rest of the batting order has still to find its T20 mojo.

And he admits the the team has to find the best way of making the most of the platform the the openers are providing.

“Getting a good start can ease the pressure, because it brings the batters coming in a bit more time when you are chasing,” said Cobb.

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“But there are also times when, and I think we saw it the other day against Birmingham Bears, they (Levi and Stirling) got off to the flyer and made it look such a good wicket.

“Then everybody else came in and tried to keep it going, but actually 150 or 160 was a par score, so it can have both effects.

“We have adapted very quickly in matches with the ball, and we now need to adapt quicker with the bat to work out what a good score is, and how we are going to get there.”

Cobb’s own form so far has been unusually patchy.

He scored a run-a-ball 42 in the win over Somerset but has yet to really hit his stride, which is something he will aim to do over the course of the remaining five Central Group games.

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“The team have been excellent in terms of different people coming in and doing it at different stages,” said Cobb.

“I have had a couple of little scores myself, but have not felt as if I have come off with the bat yet.

“It is nice the ball is coming out nicely when I bowl, but as long as the team keep winning it is great to be a part of it and long may that continue.”