Harrison praises driving force Willey after Steelbacks open Blast campaign with win double

Northants turned in a battling all-round team performance to see off Glamorgan by just three runs in a thriller at the cinch County Ground on Friday night, and then proved far too good for Worcestershire Rapids as they thrashed them by 100 runs at New Road on Sunday.

Both wins came about thanks to strong fielding and bowling performances, with the former not something that has always been a strong point for Steelbacks teams of the recent past.

But they have started this season looking very sharp, and Harrison says that is down to the high standards set by former England all-rounder Willey.

"It's that aggression that carries us through," Harrison told BBC Northampton.

"I think we have been really strong, and especially on Friday night, when we set the tone really well with the intensity in the field.

"I think it is a really, really hungry group to win and scrap around the field.

"Defending any score, I think that as a group we have that attitude."

With regards specifically to the improvement in the team's fielding, Harrison added: "Willo really drives that intensity.

"He is someone who leads from the front and pushes guys to have that same sort of hunger and aggression.

"He wants them running round and charging round, and every run is key.

"It's about charging in for balls and diving on the floor to stop fours, or any chance you can in trying to attempt a catch, or whatever it is, those little bits of standards are spreading around the group.

"We have some young guys with that raw energy and some more experienced guys who have a different type of energy, and composure.

"But we have a really nice group, a really hungry group."

The Steelbacks are back in Blast Central & West Group action on Friday night when they host Gloucestershire at Wantage Road (start 6.30pm).