Skipper Willey impressed by Sales' T20 'skillset' as he makes serious impact on Blast return

England Lions' loss proved to be Northants' gain last Friday as Sales was released from Andrew Flintoff's squad for their four-day clash with South Africa A in Arundel, which meant he could line up for the Steelbacks in their Blast opener against Glamorgan.

Three years on from his previous appearance in 20-over cricket for the County, Sales was pivotal in Northants securing a thrilling three-run win over the Welshmen, as he produced an excellent spell with the ball to help stifle the visitors and wrestle back control for Willey's side.

Sales bowled with pace and accuracy as he secured the key wicket of Sean Dickson on his way to claiming one for 23 - with 11 of those runs coming off the final three balls of his four-over spell.

Sales, who has shone with the bat in the Rothesay County Championship this season, then followed that up by taking three for 28 in Sunday's 100-run win over Worcestershire Rapids at New Road, and his captain is impressed.

When asked about Sales' impact, Willey told Steelbacks TV: "I think he has a great skillset for T20 cricket, but with all the other cricket going on it is just about finding the time to develop that and work on it.

"He has good ball speed, he can bowl a good bumper and he has some good slower ball options as well.

"There's everything in the make-up there, it is just about putting it all together and growing."

Speaking after Friday's win over Glamorgan, Willey added: "James was fantastic, and it is great for him.

"He has been out of the T20 side for a couple of years now, and he said he was pretty nervous going into the game on Friday.

"But to bowl the way he did in a pressure situation, I am delighted for him."

Willey's thoughts were echoed by all-rounder Calvin Harrison, who also heaped praise on Sales following the win over Worcestershire.

"I think he gives a lot of energy, particularly with the ball," Harrison told BBC Northampton.

"He brings a nice bit of pace and something a little bit different, he always charges in hard, and his attitude is really good.

"He is aggressive, he aims to hit the top of the stumps but can bounce guys as well, and that is a nice asset to have."

Sales is in the England Lions squad for the second four-day match against South Africa A that is due to start in Beckenham on Friday.

The Lions were beaten by eight wickets in the first match at Arundel last weekend.

If he is selected to play in Kent, then he will be unavailable for the Steelbacks' Blast clashes against Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Bears this weekend.