Northants captain Procter signs new two-year deal

Luke Procter joined Northants from Lancashire in 2017

Northamptonshire red-ball captain Luke Procter has signed a new two-year contract.

The 36-year-old former Lancashire all-rounder is now signed up to remain at Wantage Road at least the end of 2026.

“I’ve been hugely proud to lead the team in the County Championship for the past two seasons," he said. "I feel like I have developed as both a player and a person since taking on that challenge.”

Northants chief executive Ray Payne said: "Luke has led the red-ball team superbly over the last two years and is a shining example of professionalism and commitment to the other members of the squad. He is a vital part of the Northamptonshire CCC family."

After relegation from Division One of the Championship in 2023, Northants can finish no higher than fourth in Division Two going into this week's final round of fixtures - starting on Thursday against Yorkshire at Headingley.

They finished second in their group in the T20 Blast, under the captaincy of David Willey, but lost their home quarter-final to eventual runners-up Somerset, after which they parted company with head coach John Sadler.

Northants have also announced that legspinner Alex Russell, 22, and second XI all-rounders George Gowler, 19, and George Weldon, 18, will all leave when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Russell, who has also previously played second XI cricket for Gloucestershire and Essex, for Zimbwean side Eagles and Minor Counties for Herefordshire, has made four first-class appearances for Northants, including a six-wicket haul against Kent.