Vasconcelos says his pal Glover has the X factor to be a 'trump card' for Northants

Ricardo Vasconcelos believes his lifelong pal Brandon Glover gives Northants a little ‘X-factor’ ahead the cricket season getting under way next month.
Brandon Glover was a star man in the Netherlands' qualification for the T20 World CupBrandon Glover was a star man in the Netherlands' qualification for the T20 World Cup
Brandon Glover was a star man in the Netherlands' qualification for the T20 World Cup

The batsman has been friends with the County’s winter signing since they were children back in their native South Africa, and knows the fast bowler’s game inside out.

Glover has joined the club carrying a reputation as a serious fast bowler, and he was in great form last year as he helped the Netherlands to qualify for the T20 World Cup.

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The 23-year-old took more wickets than any other bowler in T20 internationals in 2019, and Vasconcelos is excited at the prospect of him playing for Northants in both four-day and T20 cricket this summer.

Northants batsman Ricardo VasconcelosNorthants batsman Ricardo Vasconcelos
Northants batsman Ricardo Vasconcelos

“In terms of what people can expect from him, they will get pace for sure,” said Vasconcelos.

“I think in white ball cricket he is a trump card that we have got to play with, he is going to be really good for us in that, and in red ball games too.

“I would say his stronger format is probably the shorter forms though, and he has that bit of X factor.

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“He is quick and you will see a bit of crazy fast bowling and maybe even a bit of a temper every now and again, but that is just what you get from him.”

So just how how quick can Glover bowl?

“When he wants to, on his day, he can bowl 90mph, he does have that capability,” said Vasconcelos.

“Hopefully we can see that more often than not when the season starts, but I am really looking forward to getting out on the park with him.

“It has been a while and I am excited about that.”

Vasconcelos grew up with Glover in their home town of Johannesburg, with the pair both playing for the same teams, and also through the Proteas’ age-group system.

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And it is a boost for both players that they have been reunited at Northants.

“He is somebody I know very well, and I have played cricket with him my whole life,” said Vasconcelos, who departed his home in South Africa to join Northants in 2018.

“It is great to have my best mate here with me, and it makes it feel a bit more like home.

“And me being here has also helped him settle in a little quicker.”

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The County are expected to start their truncated 2020 season on August 1, but the fixtures have yet to be released.

A letter sent to season ticket holders this week did confirm that three of Northants’ matches in the first-class competition, the Bob Willis Trophy, will be played at the County Ground.

There will also be five home group games in the T20 Blast, which is scheduled to start on August 27.

The club confirmed in the letter to season-ticket holders, that matches will initially be played behind closed doors, but the action will be live streamed so supporters can watch online.

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