Justin Broad promoted to vice-captain as David Willey continues as Steelbacks' Blast skipper
Northants have confirmed that David Willey will continue in his role as captain of the Steelbacks in the 2026 Vitality Blast.
But he will now have a new vice-captain to call on when out in the field, with all-rounder Justin Broad being promoted from the ranks by head coach Darren Lehmann.
Willey has been Steelbacks' Blast captain since 2023, when he took over from Josh Cobb on the eve of that summer's campaign.
His first season was a disappointment as the Steelbacks failed to reach the knockout stages, but in 2024 Northants reached the quarter-finals before losing to Somerset, and then last season the team reached Finals Day for the first time in nine years - losing to a Chris Lynn-inspired Hampshire Hawks in the semi-final.
Willey was named the Vitality Blast MVP in 2025, as he scored 425 runs, claimed 20 wickets and also snared 17 catches, and after working closely with him throughout the tournament, Lehmann has seen enough to know the right man is at the Steelbacks T20 helm.
“David is the ultimate professional, he drives players on and really sets high standards within the group," said the Australian.
“He is a huge asset to the club and we’re looking forward to seeing him lead by example again this year."
Star performer with the bat for the Steelbacks as they were humbled by Hawks at Edgbaston was Broad, who rescued his team from a precarious 86 for six to post 158 for seven as he made an excellent 61 not out from 39 balls.
It wasn't enough as Lynn hammered an unbeaten century to guide Hawks to a six-wicket win, but after the match head coach Darren Lehmann was full of praise for Broad.
"We think Justin Broad is a future leader of our club," said Lehmann after that game.
"He has been excellent throughout the year, and he has got the talent to play for England, he just needs to put it all together in one package. He has it all and is a good lad, and we rate him highly. I am really pleased with him."
On his promotion to vice-captain of the Steelbacks Blast team, Lehmann said: “Broady has displayed a lot of great leadership qualities over the last year and has a brilliant cricket brain.
"Hopefully he can take a lot from this new role and continue to develop.”
The news on Willey staying on as leader for the Blast follows on from the announcement that Luke Procter will also continue as the club's red ball skipper, with Australian overseas signing Nathan McSweeney his vice captain.
The Steelbacks begin their Blast group stage with a home date against Glamorgan at the County Ground on Friday, May 22.