White extends contract at Northamptonshire

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Paceman Jack White has signed a 2-year contract extension, keeping him at Northamptonshire until the end of 2022.

White is the latest in a line of young cricketers who have committed to Northamptonshire, with Ben Curran and Charlie Thurston inking new deals recently too.

“I’m really happy to have signed a new contract, as an unknown player to turn up injured last year and not be able to show what I can do was hard to deal with.” White said.

“But I worked very hard with Lorks [Strength and Conditioning Coach, Chris Lorkin] in the gym for months over the break to make sure when I was fit I could make an impact.”

And make an impact he did. After his first-class debut against Warwickshire in Round 1, White finished as Northamptonshire’s leading wicket-taker in the Bob Willis Trophy.

The 28-year-old claimed 13 wickets in just 4 games, with best figures of 4 for 35 and an average of 20.

White took a unique route to The County Ground, having been spotted by Phil Rowe while playing grade cricket in Australia. Though the Kendal born seamer says his time in Australia set him up for success back home.

“I had two great years in Sydney that really gave me the confidence I was good enough, bowling at proper players on flat pitches and being successful.

Until you’ve played you can never be 100% sure though, but I knew if I could get close to the levels I was bowling the last couple of years, it would go alright.”

Bowling Coach Chris Liddle was delighted to keep White in his arsenal.

“Jack’s enjoyed a good run this year in the Bob Willis Trophy and he really grew into regular first class cricket.” Liddle said.

“He’s been brilliant to work with and has a real hunger and desire to keep improving his game. We’re building a really strong and competitive bowling unit across all formats and it’s great Jack is remaining part of that.”

White became Northamptonshire first-class player number 526 this summer but is still waiting to debut with a white ball, a format he believes is his best.

“I’d say my strongest format is 50 over cricket but we obviously didn’t play any of that this year unfortunately.

“Everybody in the squad wants to contribute and play in all forms of the game and I’m no different, hopefully I’ll get a crack at that next year.”