Northants batting star Saif Zaib aiming to play a bigger part with ball in hand in 2026

The 27-year-old was the leading run-scorer in the country last season, rattling up a towering 1,425 runs at an average of 64.77 in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two, scoring six centuries in the process.

And as well as trying to emulate that success this campaign, Zaib is also aiming to contribute more as a bowler.

A left-arm spinner, Zaib only bowled 128 overs in red ball cricket over the whole of the 2025 season, claiming 13 wickets at 25.53.

Head coach Darren Lehmann is keen to utilise Zaib more as a bowler, and the player is also keen to improve that aspect of his game.

And after bowling 21 controlled overs in the season opener against Lancashire, the early signs are that Zaib will get that opportunity.

Asked about bowling more for the County, Zaib saif: "It is a conversation we have had, and I feel like my bowling has really come on in the past couple of years.

"I am getting more and more confident, and it is not just a side hustle.

"But at the same time I am really confident in myself as a cricketer now, and I feel like that side is excelling as well.

"I don't think I will ever take 50 or 60 wickets, but as long as I can do a job in Championship cricket, and then if I am needed in the T20 stuff as well, that's where I really want to push my case.

"Especially with playing franchise cricket, which is another ambition of mine.

"You really have to be able to bowl as well to be involved in that."

Zaib is also keen to build on his heroics with the bat last season, although that might be a tall order.

Asked about how he can top such a remarkable campaign, Zaib, who was unable to make a score in either innings of the Lancashire clash, simply said: "I just have to score more runs, really!

"I found a nice rhythm that I was batting in last year, but it is going to be tough in the first few weeks of the season with the Dukes ball.

"But I am feeling confident, I feel as though I have done good prep over the winter, and I can hopefully hit the ground running and help the club win a few games."

Asked if he felt as though every day was going to be his day last season, Zaib added: "I wouldn't say that, because anything can happen in cricket.

"The times that I did take things for granted a little, I maybe played a shot I shouldn't have, so it humbles you pretty quickly.

"At the same time, it is obviously nice to go into this season knowing that you did well last season, and that gives you confidence.

"Hopefully I can now kick on from that, but I just want to win some games and promotion is really in our sights.”

Northants begin their second Rothesay County Championship Division Two clash of the season on Friday (April 10), when they play Kent at Canterbury (11am start).