Peters back as County hope to restore a little pride

Stephen Peters will return to captain Northamptonshire in their final game of the season.
Stephen Peters (right) will be back to lead Northamptonshire against Sussex in their final County Championship game of 2014Stephen Peters (right) will be back to lead Northamptonshire against Sussex in their final County Championship game of 2014
Stephen Peters (right) will be back to lead Northamptonshire against Sussex in their final County Championship game of 2014

The 35-year-old missed the LV= County Championship humiliation at Durham last week having been told he would not be leading the side in 2015.

But he will be back as skipper for the clash with Sussex which starts tomorrow.

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Rob Newton, Kyle Coetzer and Maurice Chambers drop out of the squad with youngster Saif Zaib, spinner Graeme White and pace bowler Olly Stone all coming in.

Natwedst T20 Blast Northants Steelbacks v Leicestershire Foxes.
Graeme White. NNL-140523-221702009Natwedst T20 Blast Northants Steelbacks v Leicestershire Foxes.
Graeme White. NNL-140523-221702009
Natwedst T20 Blast Northants Steelbacks v Leicestershire Foxes. Graeme White. NNL-140523-221702009

And head coach David Ripley hopes his men can sign off by restoring a little pride to what has been a summer of misery.

“It would be really nice to put in a good, positive performance to finish off,” Ripley said.

“We would like to do it for the supporters as much as anybody because they have suffered this season.

“We know if we put in a good effort they appreciate that.

“It is when we are beaten easily they get gloomy.

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“The manner of some of the defeats have been too much and - I know it is a bit of a cliche - but we would like to put a bit of pride back.

“Sussex are a solid first division club and will be difficult opposition.

“We are inspired to be like them. They are an established side at this level and have depth to their squad.

“They might not have always been in Division One but they haven’t been out of it for too long.

“That is what we have to aim for.”

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As for the make-up of the team, Ripley feels White (pictured) will have a role to play.

“We know the wicket and think it might turn a bit,” he added.

“It is a good chance to get Graeme in and show what he can do.

“He has shown potential in the white-ball stuff and now there is a chance for him to step up in four-day cricket.”