Lehmann believes 'sky's the limit' for Bartlett as batter pens new deal at Northants

The former Somerset man has agreed a contract extension that will see him stay at the cinch County Ground until at least the end of the 2027 season.

The 28-year-old has been rewarded for an strong start to the current campaign that has seen his score three half-centuries in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two.

His top score was the resilient and match-saving 95 not out from 197 balls that steered Northants to an unlikely draw in their opening match of the season against Lancashire.

Bartlett has done an excellent job of marshalling the Northants lower order on several occasions.

He currently has 262 runs in the bank at an average of more than 43, and is already well on course to better his first-class run tallies from 2024 and 2025 (397 & 491).

Lehmann believes the hard work that Bartlett has been doing to improve his game is paying dividends, and he clearly thinks there is more to come from him.

"We've been really impressed with George over the last six months and the changes he's made to his game," said the Australian.

"We know he has the ability and we're seeing important runs being made.

"He's a very talented player that we want to keep working with because the sky is the limit for him, we just need to help him find that."

Bartlett was brought to the club by then head coach John Sadler ahead of the 2024 campaign, and he is delighted to extend his stint at Wantage Road.

"I'm really pleased to be staying with Northamptonshire for another year," said Bartlett, who has managed one century and nine half-centuries for the club to date.

"I've enjoyed my time at the club so far, and it's been nice to make some positive contributions this year.

"Hopefully I can continue that throughout the rest of the season."