Paul Stirling extends T20 Blast deal with Northamptonshire

The right-hander, who made a match-winning century in his country’s ODI win against England on Tuesday, initially signed his contract with the county in January, prior to the coronavirus outbreak

Paul Stirling has extended his T20 Blast deal with Northamptonshire, with the Ireland batsman now set to be available for every match of the rearranged tournament.

The right-hander, who made a match-winning century in his country’s ODI win against England on Tuesday, initially signed his contract with the county in January, prior to the pandemic-induced interruptions that the summer has since faced.

Kieron Pollard and Faheem Ashraf had also been due to play for the club as overseas players, but those agreements were cancelled after the season was delayed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Stirling has previously played for Middlesex, but changes to the status of Ireland players in county cricket following their advance to Test status meant that he was left with the choice of either leaving international cricket to continue on the county circuit or quitting Middlesex to prolong his Ireland career and playing in England as an overseas player.

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“I’m really pleased I’ll get to play the whole tournament now, I’m looking forward to it,” Stirling said.

“It’s been a great few weeks with Ireland at the Ageas Bowl and nice to get a few runs the other day, hopefully I can carry on that form for the Steelbacks.”

Stirling will join up with his squad ahead of the competition getting underway on the August 27.

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