Stone success is very pleasing

The 20-year-old bagged a first career five-wicket haul as helped bowl out Sussex for 368 in the final LV= County Championship game of the season.

It turned good figures into excellent ones as he closed with 20-8-48-5 to his name.

And, added to fine batting performances from Ben Duckett and centurion Rob Keogh - it was an effort that made head coach David Ripley smile.

“I’m very pleased for him,” Ripley said.

“He’s a top young professional and he really deserves that success.

“Everyone wants to see him do well.

“He’s a smashing lad, very popular, and it is really nice to see him get in the wickets like that.

“He’s had his injury problems this season.

“I think he has had three problems which have kept him out at some stage and his summer has been a bit stop-start.

“But he’s a very talented young man and hopefully that will help him go on from here.”

Youngsters Ben Duckett (60) and Rob Keogh (104no) also played their part as Northamptonshire closed day two on 251-7.