All-rounder Saif Zaib signs new Northants contract

Zaib, who made his debut in 2014 as a 15-year-old, made an impressive mark during the 2020 season featuring in both the Bob Willis Trophy as well as being a key part of the Steelbacks side who made it to the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast.

“I am very pleased to sign a new deal, we have a good young team coming through which is exciting to be a part of.” said Zaib, who is still only 22.

"I feel like I had a decent run in the team last year and felt good when I was out in the middle.

"It was disappointing not to get to Finals Day in the Blast, but I’m sure we will come back stronger this year.”

The left-arm spinning all-rounder is another member of the current squad to have come through the Northamptonshire Academy, and he has starred as a key member of the second team in recent years.

After a short but bright 2020 season, Zaib is looking to further fix his place in this first team this summer.

“It was a little bit of a breakout year for me last year, but I’d definitely like to do a bit more for the team," said Zaib, who played in eight of the Steelbacks' T20 Blast matches last summer, producing a series of eye-catching cameos.

“I would love to contribute more and more as we move forward and have many more successful years as a Steelback.”

Zaib is the second player to put pen to paper on a new deal since the turn of the year, with batsman Emilio Gay doing the same last week.