The Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council starts on Sunday 3 July with the visit of Northants Steelbacks. Josh Cobb is our One to Watch.
Batting all-rounder Cobb has scored heavily in this year’s competition, so much so that he finds himself as the fourth highest scoring batsman so far.
Cobb’s batting stats so far this season stand at 243 runs off 186 balls, including 19 fours and 11 sixes, in the Steelbacks’ six innings so far, the fourth highest total in the competition.
Just earlier this month the former Leicestershire Captain faced his old club and led the Steelbacks to a six-wicket victory.
The in-form man recorded his third half-century in four Twenty20 innings during a 89-run partnership with the potentially explosive Adam Rossington that sent Northants to the top of the North Division.
In 2015, Cobb left Leicestershire for Northamptonshire after largely making his name in the white-ball competitions for the Foxes.
A big scorer, the Leicester-born all-rounder continued to pile on the runs for the Steelbacks after his move and topped the Royal London One-Day Cup run scoring table last term.
In last season’s T20 competition, Cobb scored 431 runs which, coincidentally, was equal with Derbyshire’s Wes Durston, the Falcons’ T20 Captain scoring his in 11 balls less.
Northants skipper Alex Wakely was full of praise for Cobb after his most recent match-winning innings.
Wakely said: “Of all the component parts that go into our white-ball team, none is more important than Josh Cobb. I don’t think there is a better one-day No.3 anywhere in the country.
“Cobby is underrated in the game. We put him at three to accommodate our two explosive openers, Adam Rossington and Richard Levi, and he has made the position his own.
“Against Durham he anchored our innings with a beautifully paced 68 off 48 balls, and then took two absolutely crucial wickets with his off-spin.
“I think he’s getting more confident all the time. He’s been around a while but people forget he’s still only in his mid-20s.
“He’s got a great cricket brain and, having captained Leicestershire during his time at Grace Road, he carries himself with real authority and maturity. I turn to him for advice all the time.”
Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their NatWest T20 Blast matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game. Buy online, over the phone by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.
Northants Steelbacks – Sun 3 July – BUY
Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 10 July – BUY
Lancashire Lightning – Wed 13 July – BUY
Worcestershire Rapids – Fri 22 July – BUY
