Alex Russell signs a new deal with Northamptonshire until the end of 2023

Northamptonshire Steelbacks' leg-spinner Alex Russell has signed a new deal with the club until the end of 2023, after making an impression with the Second XI and on debut against Lancashire in T20 Blast. 

The 20-year-old signed a short-term deal with the club, after making his move from Herefordshire earlier in the summer.

"It's been a really good past two months. I'm excited to now sign a longer-term deal," Russell said.

Russell played eight games for the Northants second XI and took eight wickets, which gave him an opportunity to play in the Blast. 

"Playing cricket for second XI has been great for my development, especially playing a lot more red ball. I've had a lot of good players around me, so I've found that really beneficial this year."

The leg-spinner went on to make his T20 debut at the Old Trafford in a Blast game against Lancashire and finished with a figure of 1/27 from his four overs, with the key wicket of Liam Livingstone.

"My first team experiences have been really positive to be fair, I've really enjoyed it," Russell said.

"Making my debut at Old Trafford was amazing; that was a brilliant day. I played quite well as well which is always nice," he added.

Russell desires to play more

Russell, who remained on the bench for the rest of the Blast games, revealed his desire to play for the first team regularly from next summer.

"My goal for the upcoming seasons is just to try and break into the first team now and try to play first team cricket in all three formats," Russell concluded.