Sam Northeast: Knocking On The Door

In a historic year for cricket, one which saw England seal World Cup glory to cap off a fantastic summer on home soil, there were plenty of international achievements to celebrate at Hampshire.

Hampshire captain James Vince and all-rounder Liam Dawson were a part of Eoin Morgan’s squad that triumphed this summer, with both players’ strong domestic showing contributing to their inclusion.

Batsman Sam Northeast filled the role of captain in Vince’s absence and he too enjoyed an outstanding domestic campaign in 2019. The right-hander particularly excelled in red-ball cricket, totaling 1,123 runs at an average of more than 51 in 15 first-class matches.

Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White believes Northeast is one to watch for full international honors in the near future.

“Over the last few years Sam has been one of the stand out cricketers in the long form of the game, statistically he stands up against anyone in the country, he has the versatility to bat anywhere in the top order and has shown the attributes to succeed at the next level.”

Following Vince’s call-up to the national side in May, Northeast led the squad impressively whilst also continuing to contribute key knocks in the County Championship.

Indeed, his 2019 red-ball run tally – which included four centuries and five fifties – was second only to Warwickshire’s Dom Sibley, who received his first England call-up and subsequently made his debut in the current Test series in New Zealand.

“It’s been encouraging to see players recognized through weight of runs in county cricket.

“It’s a great motivator for someone like Sam who will be looking to force his way in through weight of runs in much the same way as Rory Burns and Sibley have been able to - his stats are there for all to see.”

Northeast gained plenty of experience at international level as a youngster, first tasting international cricket in 2005 as part of England U15s before being selected for England U19s in their World Cup squad in 2008 and for a standalone Test match the following summer – the latter saw him record a century in each innings.

His consistently impressive run tally in domestic cricket for Kent also saw him receive a deserved selection in the inaugural North-South series followed by an England Lions call-up in 2018 where he featured in both red-ball and white-ball series’.

The 30-year-old was then an automatic selection for the Lions this summer as he featured in a four-day match against Australia A at Canterbury.

“Sam has continued to showcase his skill and will be hoping to get the opportunity to continue his form on the Lions tour to Australia in the New Year, it would be a good platform to once again show his credentials.”

Whilst it’s difficult to envision a Lions squad that doesn’t feature Northeast leading into 2020, the right-hander will be hoping that yet another strong showing to begin the next domestic campaign will ensure he’s yet again in conversations for international honors.

The best way to catch Sam and the rest of the Hampshire squad in action all year long next season is with a 2020 Hampshire Cricket Membership and there’s never been a better time to join or renew with Early Bird and Direct Debit discounts now available.

More information on each Membership offering can be found online via the link above, over the phone on 0844 847 1863 or in person at the The Ageas Bowl Ticket Office (Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm).