Northamptonshire has announced the re-signing of Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Australian fast bowler Harry Conway as overseas players for the 2026 season. These agreements aim to strengthen the team`s roster. Concurrently, Josh Shaw is departing Gloucestershire to join Somerset, becoming another player to leave his former club.
Chahal and Conway Return
Harry Conway, who impressively claimed 20 wickets in four Championship appearances earlier this year, is set to return to Northamptonshire at the start of the 2026 campaign. The 33-year-old is expected to be available for the initial block of seven games in April and May.
Yuzvenra Chahal, on the other hand, has agreed to spend his third consecutive summer at Northamptonshire. He will join the squad for the latter half of the season to compete in the County Championship and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. Throughout his tenure with the club, Chahal has secured 44 first-class wickets and seven in List A matches.
Northamptonshire`s head coach, Darren Lehmann, expressed his enthusiasm for Chahal`s return: “Yuzi is a magnificent asset to this squad. His career record speaks for itself, and he brings immense class and experience to the group. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him this year and am excited for another run in 2026. For our young spinners, like Nirvan Ramesh and Stuart van der Merwe, having Yuzi around to mentor them will be a huge benefit for their development.”
Lehmann also commented on Conway: “Harry is an excellent acquisition for 2026. His performance last year was fantastic, and I`m eager to work with him for a longer period. His ability to take wickets on all surfaces and his strong presence within the team make him an invaluable player.”
Northamptonshire has additionally secured batter Louis Kimber from Leicestershire on a two-year deal. Primarily known as a powerful white-ball hitter and occasional off-spinner, Kimber garnered significant attention in 2023 by scoring 243 runs off just 127 balls in a County Championship match at Hove.
Lehmann shared his thoughts on signing Kimber: “Louis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in county cricket, alongside significantly boosting our batting firepower. He will undoubtedly draw crowds to Wantage Road with his explosive hitting, and I can`t wait to start working with him.”
Josh Shaw Joins Somerset
Gloucestershire has seen another member of its seam-bowling unit depart, as Josh Shaw signed with Somerset earlier this week.
Shaw, 29, had been under contract at Bristol since 2019, having previously played on loan from Yorkshire. He joins a list of players leaving the club during the off-season, including Ajeet Singh Dale (Lancashire), Zaman Akhter (Essex), Archie Bailey (Durham), Tom Price, and Dom Goodman (both Sussex).
Somerset`s Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, remarked: “We have witnessed first-hand how impactful Josh can be. He possesses the ability to swing and seam the ball, making him an excellent addition to our bowling attack. We are fully aware of Josh’s strong character and his commitment to being the best version of himself, which will add real value both in the dressing room and on the pitch. These qualities will be crucial as we continue to compete across all competitions.”
