Head coach Lehmann pays tribute as McSweeney's first Northants stint comes to an end
Darren Lehmann has paid tribute to Nathan McSweeney, praising the impact the Australian had during his first year as a Northants player.
McSweeney wrapped up his first stint as a County player in disappointing fashion, falling for two low scores as Northants were beaten by Durham in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two at the weekend.
But those two failures can't take the shine off what was an exceptional season across all formats for the 27-year-old.
McSweeney was a key member of the Steelbacks team that won the Vitality Blast, and then skippered the 50-over team in the Metro Bank One Day Cup - scoring 485 runs including six half-centuries.
And in the County Championship, he returns home as the eighth leading scorer in the competition after amassing 754 runs at an average of 44.35, scoring four centuries and two 50s.
All in all, it was an excellent campaign for McSweeney, who was also awarded his County cap, and Lehmann said: "I think everyone has been pleased with the way Nathan has fitted in.
"He has helped improve our culture and the way we play, and obviously his runs have been exceptional.
"The way he fields he contributes all the time, and he led the team well in the One Day Cup."
McSweeney has signed a contract to return to the cinch County Ground in 2027, with the only possible stumbling block being a call up to the Australian Test team for next summer's Ashes.
The reason McSweeney has left Northants with three matches remaining is because he is touring India with the Australia A team, and if he performs strongly there and in domestic cricket, then that Test squad recall could be on the cards.
Lehmann admits is looking forward to seeing McSweeney return to Northampton, but would also be pretty happy if the player was to get to wear the baggy green again.
"We are really excited that Nathan came along and enjoyed his summer, and he is certainly coming back next year, although we hope he gets on the Ashes tour and then he is not with us," said Lehmann.
"We would then have to look for another overseas player.
"Nathan has got on the Aussie A tour to India, so that means he is close (to a Test call).
"But it's about him going there and playing really well in those conditions.
"He goes home for a week and then I think he heads to India, and then he has a big summer ahead (in Australia).
"So we wish him all the best, he has been fantastic for us all year, and I am sure the fans will join me in saying thanks.
"He is a loveable character, he is easy to love, so we wish him all the best."
While in India, Australia take on India A in two ‘Test’ matches, with the first starting on September 22, and the second a week later on September 29.
The Aussies then take on India in three 50-over clashes on October 6, 9 and 11. All the matches are being played in Puducherry.