Following his return to the team after spending seven years at Yorkshire, David Willey will lead Northamptonshire in this year’s Vitality Blast. However, Josh Cobb, who served as Willey’s predecessor, has been left “shocked and disappointed” by the change.
John Sadler, the head coach of Northamptonshire, has given Willey the job after he just finished a four-match stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and has proven his full availability for the Blast season with his early return from the competition.
“This opportunity only really presented itself when we heard about him coming back a bit earlier from the IPL. He’ll now be fully present for the build-up into the T20 and the full campaign as well.” Sadler said.
“As a club we need to maximise all of his expertise. He’s played in all the tournaments around the world, he’s playing international cricket, he’s played with the best players and coaches and now he’s bringing that into our dressing room.”
However, Cobb made it plain in an Instagram post that he had been caught off guard by the news.
“Having been blindsided by the news, I am both shocked and disappointed to be relieved of my captaincy duties so close to the Blast starting,” he wrote. “Spending the winter planning and preparing the squad I felt we were in a good position to challenge again this year and we still absolutely are!!
“It has been an honour and privilege to lead Northants over the last 4/5 years and I have enjoyed it all. Thanks to David Ripley for entrusting me with the opportunity and all the players and fans for their support. I would also like to wish David Willey all the best for his tenure as captain.”
In 2009, Willey made his Blast debut for Northamptonshire. During his first season with the team, he went on to make 83 T20 matches, playing a significant part in the team’s 2013 championship. His four-year return to the county was announced last summer.
“Northamptonshire is a special place for me, I grew up here, my dad played here, it’s great to be back.”
“With my experience and what I’ve done over the last seven years, hopefully I can add value to everyone in the dressing room and the club as a whole. I’m keen to give something back to a club and community that’s given me so much over the years.”
Despite his sadness, Sadler is optimistic that Cobb will continue to play an important role both on and off the field.
“Josh has led the side well in recent years, he’s got a good cricket brain and is tactically astute,”
he said.
“I’ve got full respect for Cobby, he’s a crucial part of this side and when he’s firing, he’s one of the best around.”
Willey continued that he was eager to play for his hometown team once more after spending so much time away from Northamptonshire.
“I’m really looking forward to playing back in front of a home crowd at Wantage Road,”
he said.
“The support and atmosphere here have always been exceptional over the years so I’m really excited to be back out there as a Steelback.”