One club man Alex Wakely awarded testimonial year by Northants

Wakely has been with Northants since he joined the club as a schoolboy in 2004, making his debut for the second team when he was just 15 and scoring an unbeaten 81.

The 31-year-old, who was born in Hammersmith in London and attended Bedford School, made his first-class debut as an 18-year-old in 2007, scoring 38 and 66 in a Championship clash against Somerset.

He became a regular fixture in the first team, and was then made captain of the one day team in 2013 - having an immediate impact as the Steelbacks won the T20 competition.

Promoted to captain of all formats in 2015, Wakely became the first Northants skipper to win two national titles when he again led the County to T20 glory in 2016.

Wakely gave up the captaincy midway through last season, but remains a key batsman in all forms of the game, and he recently signed a new contract with the club.

“The board of directors and I are absolutely delighted to award Alex a testimonial year." said chairman Gavin Warren. "Alex epitomises what testimonial years are designed for; rewarding loyalty.

"Alex is statistically our most successful captain, winning two T20 titles in 2013 and 2016, and we hope he has an enjoyable year and gets the support he thoroughly deserves."

Wakely has played more than 360 matches for Northants in all competitions, and scored more than 11,500 runs for the club.

Wakely’s testimonial is set to include a string of events that also aim to raise funds for two chosen charities, the PCA Cricketers Trust and Dreamflight.

Events that have been organised include gala evenings, celebrity dinners, golf days and a few other special sporting events.

The testimonial committee will be led by patron Earl Spencer and they have already begun work in earnest.

The year will kick off with a very special evening with former England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook and former Saints and England rugby captain Dylan Hartley at Bedford School, while other events are planned later in the year,.

There will also be the opportunity to attend a ball at Althorp House.

Earl Spencer said: “I am one of very many people in Northamptonshire who is absolutely delighted that Wakers has been given a benefit year by his county.

"He is a team man, a family man, and, frankly, a very fine all-round man indeed. I wish him every success in 2020 - nobody could deserve it more.”