Well, this is a signing that’s bound to get the Steelbacks faithful buzzing with excitement! Northamptonshire have moved swiftly to snap up hard-hitting New Zealander Tim Robinson as a short-term overseas signing — and it looks a cracking bit of business.
With Matt Breetzke summoned back to South African duties ahead of their Test series against Zimbabwe, the Northants hierarchy needed a like-for-like replacement. And head coach Darren Lehmann reckons they’ve found just that in the 23-year-old Kiwi.
Explosive batsman with a Point to Prove
Now, for those not overly familiar with Robinson, let me paint the picture. He’s already donned the Black Caps shirt 10 times in T20Is, notching a memorable maiden half-century against Pakistan last year — no small feat against that bowling attack.
He’s been lighting it up in the domestic T20 scene as well. In the Super Smash, he walloped 139 runs for Wellington — the second-highest score in the competition’s history — and ended that season with 298 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 187. That’s not batting, that’s demolition work!
He’s also plied his trade in the Caribbean Premier League for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, carving out 988 runs in T20s with a strike rate just over 140. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more destructive opener available at short notice.
Vital for the Blast, Boost for the Red Ball Too
Robinson isn’t just here to swing the willow in the Blast. He’ll also feature in two crucial County Championship matches, starting with the home clash against Middlesex on June 22nd. Northants will then head down to Kent before shifting gears into T20 mode.
He’s set to play four Vitality Blast games, kicking off with a tasty tie at home against Lancashire Lightning on July 4th — fireworks expected, quite literally!
Coach Lehmann sounded optimistic about what Robinson brings to the side, saying:
“He’s a strong young man; he hits the ball big and opens the batting in white ball. He looks like a really good player, so fingers crossed he gets some runs for us and plays well across both formats.”
And let’s be honest, with the Blast group stages heating up, Northants will be desperate for some top-order solidity and fireworks — and Robinson looks tailor-made for that job.
Breetzke’s Brief Exit, But Robinson Time Begins
While Matt Breetzke will be back for the final two group games, the stage is now set for Robinson to make his mark. A chance for the young Kiwi to shine on English soil, and maybe even open the door to more county stints down the line.
So grab your pints, dust off your Steelbacks caps, and get down to Wantage Road. Because Tim Robinson is here — and he’s got six-hitting on the menu.
Tim Robinson is a Steelback. 🛡️
We’re pleased to announce that New Zealand international Tim Robinson will join the Club for two @CountyChamp matches and four @VitalityBlast fixtures throughout the next month. 👋
Read more 👉 https://t.co/TL0DRPCyRS pic.twitter.com/kj6Uncig9T
— Northamptonshire Steelbacks (@NorthantsCCC) June 18, 2025
