Northants switch focus to Copeland

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Northamptonshire have turned their attention back to Australia seamer Trent Copeland as candidate to be their overseas player for the first month of next season but have given up hope of bringing South African Rory Kleinveldt to Wantage Road.

Kleinveldt agrees terms on a short-term contract two weeks ago but failed to return a signed deal before today’s deadline which was set by Northamptonshire last week. Kleinveldt is instead expected to seek an IPL contract at Sunday’s auction so Northamptonshire have renewed their interest in Copeland who came close to signing for them last autumn.

"We withdrew the contract offer to Rory because we've given him a considerable period of time and he hasn’t signed," said Northamptonshire chief executive David Smith. "It was complicated by the IPL and his desire to keep both options open."
 
Copeland, a 26-year-old right-arm seamer from New South Wales, has played three Tests for Australia but is unlikely to be in their squad for this summer’s Ashes series. "Trent initially didn't want to come to the UK this summer, but he has since had a change of heart," said Smith.
 
Northamptonshire are also in the running to bring a second Australian, batsman Cameron White, back to Wantage Road as an overseas player for the Friends Life t20.

White, who previously played county cricket for Somerset, had a successful first stint with Northamptonshire last summer when he averaged 57 in eight innings and is believed to be keen to return.


Date: 01/02/2013 17:47:50 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Northamptonshire |