Nathan McSweeney, the Australia top-order batter, has confirmed a return to Northamptonshire next season after signing an extension to his contract.

McSweeney, 27, is currently Northamptonshire’s leading run-scorer in the County Championship, with 589 at 49.08 including three hundreds, as well as contributing 199 in seven Blast appearances, with his side top of the Central/West Group after eight wins from eight.

“I’m delighted to be extending my time with Northamptonshire,” McSweeney said. “From the moment I arrived I was made to feel welcome by the players, coaches, staff and supporters, and that made the decision to stay a very easy one.

“I’m grateful for the faith the club has shown in me and I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute both on and off the field. Hopefully there are plenty of successful moments ahead for Northamptonshire, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”

McSweeney, who has won three Test caps, is a rare example nowadays of an overseas player available to play a full season of county cricket and will be back to play across all formats in 2027.

Darren Lehmann, Northamptonshire’s head coach, said: “We’re so pleased that someone of Nathan’s calibre is deciding to stay with us. He’s been outstanding on and off the field and he’s a leader within our group who’s shown a love for the club.

“He’s worked on his game and he wants to continue to help other players out which is very good for our culture and the development of our players. The players really enjoy him being around and he’s a pleasure to coach, so it’s an easy signing for us.”