Willey signs new contract at Northants until 2029

Former England all-rounder David Willey has signed new three-year contract with Northamptonshire.

The deal will keep the Steelbacks T20 captain at Wantage Road until the end of 2029.

Willey spent six years with Northants at the start of his career before leaving for Yorkshire in 2016.

After six years at Headingley, he returned to his first club on a four-year deal in 2023, and this new contract will take the 36-year-old to the end of a 14th season with the county.

Willey has scored 171 runs at an average of 34 and taken seven wickets in the Steelbacks’ first six group games in this season’s T20 Blast, having guided the club the Finals Day in 2025.

When he plays against Essex on Friday, he will become the club’s record appearance-maker in the format with his 134th game.

“He’s a fantastic leader who always strives for excellence on and off the field,” head coach Darren Lehmann said.

“His desire to get better and better is good to see, and it shows what’s needed to be the best player you can be.”