Chris Lynn to Return to Northamptonshire for T20 Blast After Hampshire Heroics

Australian batter Chris Lynn is set to return to Northamptonshire for the upcoming Vitality T20 Blast, less than a year after his match-winning century for Hampshire ended Northants’ campaign at Finals Day.

Lynn, who previously spent two seasons with Northamptonshire in 2022 and 2023, enjoyed a highly successful stint at Wantage Road, scoring three T20 centuries. The club attempted to re-sign him during the latter stages of last season’s group phase, but Lynn had already committed to Hampshire. He went on to haunt his former side with an unbeaten 108 in the semi-finals, knocking Northamptonshire out before Hampshire lost to Somerset in the final.

Now, Northants head coach Darren Lehmann has moved to bring Lynn back for the 2026 T20 Blast. The club confirmed the signing on Tuesday, also announcing that South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke will no longer return as planned this summer due to commitments in the Indian Premier League and on international duty.

In a club statement, Northamptonshire said the decision was taken to prioritise an overseas player with full availability throughout the tournament. “It has been decided that having an overseas player with full availability in the T20 Blast will be more beneficial to the team as we look to push towards another Finals Day appearance,” the statement read.

Lehmann expressed disappointment at missing out on Breetzke but welcomed Lynn’s return. “We would’ve loved to have seen Matt back, but being able to have an overseas player with us throughout the whole tournament will hopefully help us keep a good rhythm and settled squad,” Lehmann said. “We’re all wishing him the best for the rest of the year.

“We all know the class that Lynny will bring to the side. He’s had a lot of success here and we’re hoping for more of the same this summer. His power and ball-striking is second to none, and he has the ability to take control of games very quickly.”

Northamptonshire have been active in the transfer market ahead of the new season. In October, the club announced the high-profile signing of Nathan McSweeney on an all-format deal, while Louis Kimber has joined from Leicestershire and Calvin Harrison’s loan move from Nottinghamshire has been made permanent. Former Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple has also been appointed as Lehmann’s assistant.

Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who produced a standout century against Surrey in last season’s quarter-final, has yet to commit to another campaign after his one-year contract with the club expired.