Lehmann challenges Northants ‘to hit repeat’ ahead of Durham challenge

The County were impressive seven-wicket winners over Gloucestershire on Monday, meaning they reach the halfway point of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two campaign sitting second in the table.

They are in the second promotion spot and have a 12-point advantage over third-placed Kent and trail only Durham, who they meet in a huge battle of the top two at Chester-Le-Street this Friday (start 11am).

Durham currently have an 18-point lead at the top.

The on-song Steelbacks are also at the halfway point of the 12-match Vitality Blast group campaign, and sit four points clear top of the Central & West section having won six out of six.

But with more than three months of a long campaign still to play, head coach Lehmann is warning his players they can't afford to take their foot off the gas.

And he has told them they now have to ensure they 'hit repeat' to ensure they carry on their current momentum.

"It's been a great start and I am really pleased, and you want that sort of start," said the Australian, who is in his second season as head coach at the cinch County Ground.

"Now it's a case of keeping it going, keeping on a roll and make sure you are doing all the right things.

"The blokes have been excellent in training and developing what we want to do as a group.

"They are enjoying the success, they have worked hard for it, so now the challenge for them is to hit repeat."

The County will be aiming to close the gap on Durham when they meet for the first time this season over the weekend.

The north east county are the only unbeaten team in red ball cricket in the country, and could be boosted by the inclusion of England skipper Ben Stokes.

Stokes has been suspended by the national team after breaking a team curfew following the first Test win over New Zealand.

He has been training with his Durham team-mates this week, and head coach Ryan Campbell has said the all-rounder may feature against Northants.