Northants head coach Lehmann signs deal until 2027

Darren Lehmann played 27 Tests for Australia and coached the national side between 2013 and 2018

Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann has signed a one-year contract extension with the county until 2027.

The 55-year-old former Australia batter and head coach agreed a deal to the end of 2026 when he was announced as John Sadler's replacement in October 2024.

In his first season in charge, Lehmann has guided the Steelbacks to a T20 Blast quarter-final against Surrey next month.

But hopes of promotion from Division Two of the County Championship look very slim with Northants 42 points behind second-placed Glamorgan with three matches to go.

Northants chief executive Ray Payne said Lehmann had made an "exceptional impact" at Wantage Road.

"He's brought a really positive culture to the club, with players and staff all working as hard as they can to be a team that Northamptonshire fans can be proud of," Payne said.

"We're so pleased that he's committed until at least the end of 2027, and that he believes in the direction we're heading in."

Lehmann, who has also coached in the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League and The Hundred, said he had "absolutely loved" his time with Northants.

"I'm really excited to have committed for an extra year," he said.

"The support has been unbelievable. We've been good in patches and not so good in others, but they're always behind us which I love."

Lehmann's decision to stay comes on the same day opening batter Ricardo Vasconcelos agreed a new two-year contract.