Ripley delighted as Steelbacks bring Prasanna back

Prasanna played for the Steelbacks in the 2016 NatWest T20 Blast, helping the County to claim glory in the competition.

And the 31-year-old leg break bowler will be back for more this summer.

Prasanna will be available for all of Northants’ T20 games, and Ripley is happy to have him back.

“We took stock about what we want and it’s very good to have a leg-spinner in T20 cricket,” Ripley said.

“Seekkuge was very consistent for us last year and he’s someone who can hit sixes and fours. We didn’t see that as much for us last year, but we have seen him do it for Sri Lanka so we hope he can contribute there.

“He’s a solid fielder and a very good guy to have in the changing room.

“We invisage that he’ll be available for the whole season so we’re very pleased he’s going to come back.”

Prasanna took 12 wickets in 11 T20 matches for the Steelbacks last season, at an average of 24.

He was a hugely popular figure at the County Ground, with his trademark ‘dab’ celebration causing plenty of amusement.

And Ripley added: “We put some thought into what he would bring to our side, but he was a bit left-field. Not many people had heard of him and that was part of the budget side for us.

“We had the budget to bring a second T20 player in but it’s not about looking at Brendan McCullum or Chris Gayle - we’re looking at someone we can afford.

“And of the players we could afford, we think we’ve got a very good one.”