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Northants' Darren Lehmann Urges England to Embrace County Cricket Talent

30 March, 2026.Sports.3 sources

Key Takeaways

England players do not play enough county cricket, limiting domestic talent exposure.
Selectors have overlooked domestic talent in county cricket.
Lehmann seeks closer links between the ECB and county cricket to develop players.

Lehmann Criticizes ECB

Lehmann criticized the ECB's approach.

“Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann has said England players do not play enough county cricket and selectors have overlooked talent in the domestic game”

BBC

He said England players do not play enough county cricket.

BBC

Saif Zaib was the leading run-scorer but was overlooked for Lions.

Sparse County Appearances

Only one England player made more than four County appearances in 2025.

Duckett played once, Crawley four times, and Pope six times.

Hindustan Times

This has raised concerns about player development.

Fresh ECB Approach Promised

Lehmann expressed optimism the ECB would improve its relationship with counties.

“- Lehmann criticises ECB approach over lack of county cricket exposure - England players feature less in County Championship raising concerns - Domestic talent overlooked despite strong county performances Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann has criticised the ECB’s approach to player development, calling for stronger ties between the national side and the county game and warning that England players are not getting enough exposure in county cricket while selectors continue to overlook in form domestic talent”