Ravi Bopara: Northants sign all-rounder for summer T20 Blast

Northamptonshire have signed former Sussex and Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara for this summer's T20 Blast.

Bopara has scored more than 9,100 runs and taken 277 wickets in 462 T20 matches all around the world.

He also made 171 appearances for England in all formats of the game between 2007 and 2015.

"I felt great in the Blast last year and my game is in a really good place at the moment," the 38-year-old told the Northants website.

"We have a really exciting squad and I'm hoping to play a big part in bringing a third Blast trophy to the club."

Bopara - who has agreed an initial one-year deal - hit an unbeaten 36 off 22 balls as Essex beat Worcestershire by four wickets in the 2019 final.

He was Sussex's leading scorer in last year's competition with 408 runs, including a career-best 108 off 53 balls against Kent at Canterbury.

"Ravi is a phenomenal signing for us and we're delighted to get it over the line," said head coach John Sadler.

"He's been an incredible performer across all formats for many years and brings a huge presence on and off the field."

Northants won the T20 Blast in 2013 and 2016 and start this year's campaign with a home game against Derbyshire on 30 May.