Ravi Bopara, the seasoned English all-rounder, has inked a deal with Northamptonshire, ensuring his participation in the T20 Blast for the 22nd consecutive season. At 39 years of age, Bopara remains an integral figure in the tournament, having played more than 200 matches and featuring in every edition since its inception.
Bopara’s decision to join Northamptonshire comes after his release by Sussex last summer. He has been in talks with several counties and ultimately chose the Steelbacks for the upcoming season. He has signed a one-year, T20-only contract and will celebrate his 39th birthday just weeks before Northants’ Blast campaign begins on May 30.
Despite his age, Bopara insists he still feels “like a young man in the game.” He had a productive season with Sussex last year, scoring 408 runs with a strike rate of 146.23 and taking eight wickets. However, Sussex missed out on the quarter-finals, and Bopara was not offered a new contract.
“I’m really happy to have joined Northamptonshire for the T20s this year,” Bopara said. “I felt great in the Blast last year and my game is in a really good place at the moment. I’m looking forward to joining the Steelbacks and putting on a show for the fans at Wantage Road.”
Northamptonshire, who won the Blast in 2013 and 2016, have struggled in recent seasons, reaching the quarter-finals only once in the last seven years. They have made several signings over the winter, including George Bartlett, George Scrimshaw, and Sikandar Raza.
“We have a really exciting squad: there’s a lot of quality in that list and I’m hoping to play a big part in bringing a third Blast trophy to the club,” Bopara said. “I’m still learning a great deal about this game at my age. I have a burning desire and hunger to up-skill my game to new heights and I still feel like a young man in the game. There’s so much more for me to achieve in the T20 space.”
Northants’ head coach, John Sadler, hailed Bopara’s signing as “phenomenal.” “He’s been an incredible performer across all formats for many years and brings a huge presence on and off the field,” Sadler said.
