Skip to main content
2024 Emilio
Made in Northants: England Test opener Emilio Gay driving against Middlesex at Wantage Road in 2024. (Photograph: Peter Short)

Made in Northants: The path behind England’s openers

From Wantage Road to Lord’s, Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett’s journeys converged at the top of England’s order on Thursday. For Northamptonshire, it was a moment of pride – and a reminder of the county’s quiet modern contribution to Test cricket. Featuring insights from former Northamptonshire men’s head coach David Ripley.

05.06.26, 12:35 Updated 05.06.26, 12:40

Jeremy Blackmore

Jeremy Blackmore

England’s latest Test reset may have got off to an inauspicious start with the bat at Lord’s on Thursday, as a rampant New Zealand bowling attack made the most of helpful conditions under cloudy skies at NW8, with England’s top order unable to make an impact.

For all that, nothing could detract from the pride felt by Northamptonshire fans watching two homegrown talents, Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett, walk through the Long Room and down the steps of the famous old pavilion to open the batting for their country.

The pair are very different in style, Gay is tall, upright and elegant; Duckett is compact, composed and pugnacious and has embodied the Bazball era.

Become a member today.

The Steeler needs its community to support independent, high-quality coverage of Northamptonshire Cricket. Subscribe to a monthly or annual package today to be a part of something special.

Subscribe for £5

Already have an account? Sign in

Jeremy Blackmore

Jeremy Blackmore is the founder and editor of The Steeler. Jeremy is a freelance cricket writer and Wantage Road regular. He has written extensively for a host of publications including The Cricketer, The Cricket Paper, Wisden Cricket Monthly and ESPNcricinfo. He also covers Northamptonshire for the ECB Reporters Network.

Get started with our free newsletter

Sign up to receive your free newsletter with articles and analysis from our team

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from The Steeler.