Lehmann on Lynn, Fans & Northamptonshire’s T20 Blast Hopes

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club has secured the return of Australian batsman Chris Lynn for the 2026 T20 Blast season, head coach Darren Lehmann confirmed. The move comes after Lynn previously played a pivotal role in eliminating Northamptonshire from the 2025 Blast semi-final with a dominant innings for Hampshire.

Lehmann expressed his satisfaction with the signing, acknowledging Lynn’s power-hitting capabilities, particularly suited to Northamptonshire’s home ground. “The grounds are too small for Lynn so if he gets going it will be fantastic,” Lehmann said. “He’s keen as mustard which is great – he’s coming towards the end of his career, we get that, but we see someone who’s got the power [to capitalise] on a small ground, and English grounds are traditionally smaller than Australian ones.”

The acquisition of Lynn follows the club’s attempt to retain Matthew Breetzke, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. “We wanted [Matthew] Breetzke to continue playing [for us] because he’s a superstar of the game, but the next best thing is Chris Lynn,” Lehmann stated.

Lehmann, who took up the coaching position before the start of the 2025 season, emphasized the importance of a committed team effort and fan support. He noted the significance of playing with passion and determination, even in the face of setbacks. “Fans just want their team to play as well as they possibly can each and every day. They accept sometimes it doesn’t go their way, but as long as you’re trying, that’s all they want,” he said. Lehmann also highlighted his appreciation for coaching a community-based club, stating, “Being in charge of a community club was one of the main reasons I am so passionate about the job.”

Northamptonshire’s season begins on April 3rd with a home match against Lancashire in the Championship Division Two, featuring Sir James Anderson.

Lynn’s availability for the entirety of the T20 Blast season remains subject to his fitness, after he was recently ruled out of an ODI series for Australia due to a neck injury, according to reports from The Guardian.