Northamptonshire coach Darren Lehmann has made a significant signing by bringing Australia’s Nathan McSweeney to Wantage Road for the 2026 season. The agreement includes all formats, with the club expecting McSweeney to be available for the entire season unless called up for international duty.
Darren Lehmann, who joined Northants last summer, led the team to the T20 Blast Finals Day for the first time since 2016. However, the team struggled in other competitions, finishing near the bottom of Division Two in the County Championship and winning only once in the One-Day Cup. Lehmann extended his contract until the end of 2027 and is now reinforcing his squad for next year.
McSweeney previously worked with Lehmann during his time as an assistant coach when McSweeney captained Brisbane Heat to the BBL title in 2023-24. Lehmann also presented McSweeney with his baggy green cap upon his Test debut against India last year. Despite a challenging start to his international career, with four of his five dismissals by an in-form Jasprit Bumrah, McSweeney has not been selected for Australia since.
Nathan McSweeney
This signing means McSweeney should be available throughout the English summer. He will begin the Championship season playing alongside South Australia teammate Harry Conway, with Yuzvendra Chahal set to replace Conway for the latter half of the Championship and the One-Day Cup. Allrounder Louis Kimber has also joined Northamptonshire from Leicestershire.
Nathan McSweeney commented, “When the chance came up to sign with Northamptonshire, it was an easy decision. The club has a strong culture and quality players, and working with Boof again made it even more appealing. I’m eager to get over there, settle in, and help the team win games.”
Lehmann added, “Nathan McSweeney is a brilliant player with great talent and potential. He’s a classy individual who will hopefully bring stability to our top order. We’re excited to have him join and start making an impact straight away.”