Murphy, De Lange extend Northants contracts

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Northamptonshire have secured the services of wicketkeeper David Murphy and slow left-armer Con de Lange on extended contracts.

Murphy displaced Ireland international Niall O’Brien at the end of last season and has now signed a new two-year contract. De Lange, who had played first-class cricket in his native South Africa before he signed for Northamptonshire just before the start of the season, and has signed a one-year contract extension to the deal that expired at the end of last month.

“Con’s one-day form was very consistent and his professionalism around the squad is a valuable asset to us,” said Northamptonshire head coach David Ripley. “David took his opportunity when it was presented to him earlier this season, He has shown great skill up to the stumps and a knack of building important partnerships down the order.”

Murphy, a former Loughborough University player, is unlikely to face competition from O’Brien next season as the Irishman has been given permission to speak to other counties even though he has a year remaining on his contract. Leicestershire held talks with O’Brien last week and are expected to offer him a contract.

 “I’m delighted to be staying at the County Ground. A lot of the younger players are signing up and hopefully we can all progress in the coming years, where we all want to work hard and bring success to the county,” Murphy said.



Date: 02/10/2012 16:59:51 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Northamptonshire |