Steelbacks sign Sutcliffe

Northamptonshire have strengthened their batting line-up with the signing of Lancashire opener Iain Sutcliffe on loan.

Northamptonshire have strengthened their batting line-up with the signing of Lancashire opener Iain Sutcliffe on loan. Overseas batsman Chris Rogers has helped take the Steelbacks to fourth in the LV County Championship Division Two, with six games remaining. But as they attempt to close the gap on title contenders Essex, Nottinghamshire and Somerset, the Steelbacks are to lose Rogers to Australia from mid-August.

Needs must

Northants coach David Capel has therefore moved to bring in Sutcliffe, who has been on the fringes at Old Trafford this season. "Iain will be taking the opportunity to add strength to out top-order," Capel said. "We feel he has the special qualities and skills combined with a wealth of experience to offer us that we are looking for." Sutcliffe will join on a month's loan from August 8 and will likely make his debut for the county in the crucial Championship clash at Glamorgan on the same day.