Darren Lehmann backs Louis Kimber to come good as player extends Northants contract
Northants head coach Darren Lehmann has showed his faith in Louis Kimber by handing the former Leicestershire man a one-year contract extension at Wantage Road.
The 29-year-old joined the County from Leicestershire on a two-tear deal last winter, but struggled to make a telling impact in his first summer at the cinch County Ground.
Kimber did make 17 first team appearances across the season in the County Championship and Vitality Blast, but was unable to produce his best form.
In five red ball matches he scored 114 runs in eight innings at an average of 14.25, with a top score of 66 when batting as a concussion substitute for Saif Zaib in the two-wicket win over Gloucestershire in May.
Kimber also featured in 12 of the Steelbacks' 15 T20 matches as they won the Vitality Blast title - including playing in the semi-final and final at Edgbaston.
But he again struggled with the bat, scoring just 61 runs in eight innings with an average of 7.62.
The all-rounder was used sparingly with the ball as well, bowling just seven overs in the competition.
But Lehmann believes there is a lot more to come from Kimber, and the player now has an extra 12 months to show it as he will be a player at Wantage Road until the end of the 2028 campaign.
“Louis maybe didn’t have the season he’d have liked this year," said the Australian.
"But I believe he is a player that can make a big contribution to the side.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Louis showcase what he can do next year.”
Kimber is determined to kick on after what was an underwhelming first season at the club, and admitted: "I’m delighted to have signed a new contract with Northamptonshire.
“Winning the Blast was an incredible achievement, and one that has made us even hungrier for success.
“I can’t wait to get back to work, continue improving my game and contribute even more success for the club.”