Northamptonshire Steelbacks take their perfect start to the NatWest T20 Blast to Worcestershire Rapids tonight – aiming for back-to-back victories over a side they have struggled against in recent seasons.
Last Friday’s seven-wicket win was just Northamptonshire’s third victory in their last 11 T20s with Worcestershire, who have handsomely beaten Durham and Yorkshire at home so far in this season’s T20 Blast.
But with a record run-chase against Derbyshire and a comfortable win over Friday’s opponents among their three wins so far, Adam Rossington says Northants will travel to New Road in great spirit.
He said: “I think we’ve just played good cricket really. Our powerplays with the bat have been very good, everyone has been chipping in with the bat and we’ve also taken wickets regularly so all-round we’ve been producing some good form.”
Northants have serious injury concerns to Richard Levi – who has scored 163 runs in three innings – and Rory Kleinveldt while Olly Stone has been ruled out for the season and will go for knee surgery next week.
Rossington said: We’ve had a few knocks but we’re a tight dressing room and the guys coming in will put in a performance for us and keep this run going.
"We didn’t start too well in the T20 last year so to make it four from four would be perfect. It’s a good start but we have to keep it going.”
Rossington has enjoyed his new role opening the batting and displayed his power in the pinch-hitting role.
He said: “I think my strong hitting just comes from timing more than anything. I look to make sure I don’t over-hit the ball, try and find the middle of the bat and hope it goes over the ropes!”
More clean hitting may be needed at New Road. Worcestershire racked up 225 in their opening game against Durham at New Road – the second-highest total in this season's competition – and comfortably chased down 174 to beat Yorkshire.
Rossington said: “They always play well at their place. New Road, like Northampton, is a good ground for T20 and they’ve had some decent games there so far, hopefully we’ll get another tomorrow night.
"We’re going to have to step up again to get a result but having turned them over last week we’ll go there really confident.”
Rossington also says the squad take heart from an audacious attempt to chase down 446 to win their opening Royal London Cup match at Trent Bridge with Northants losing by only 20 runs.
He said: “It was an extraordinary game of cricket, chasing such a big total we had to go hard up front but also you had to give yourself a chance by having a look for two or three overs and then going from there. But we can take a lot from that effort.”
