Napier: Essex my number one

Graham Napier celebrates bowling Essex team-mate Ravi Bopara with what he said was a "dream delivery for a fast bowler"

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Graham Napier has confirmed he will play for Essex in the Champions League Twenty20 if his county qualifies for the tournament next October.

The 30-year-old is already eligible to play in the competition with Central Stags after their victory in New Zealand’s domestic Twenty20 competition yesterday.

And he could yet qualify with Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians.

But the all-rounder is committed to his county and he is optimistic they will reach the Twenty20 showpiece.

“Obviously Essex would be my first choice if they qualified and then Mumbai Indians would be next,” Napier told his official website.

“Unfortunately CD (Central Districts) would get last call (if all three teams qualified) but I’m now in a nice position.

“Essex are a good bet in Twenty20 cricket so it could be an interesting summer.”

Napier was an integral figure in the Stags' 78-run victory over Auckland Aces at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.

He took two wickets, including that of Essex team-mate Ravi Bopara, during an economical display of 2-17 from three overs.

Bopara endured a frustrating day, conceding 24 runs in one over, although his other two went for a total of eight as the Stags posted 206 for six.

And the England international then fell victim to Napier for just three as Auckland limped to 128 all out in 16.1 overs, to the delight of Napier.

Napier ended with figures of 2-17 from three overs as Central Stags qualified for the Champions League

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“To bowl Ravi was a key moment in the game. It was a straight ball that nipped back and clipped the top of off-stump – a dream delivery for a fast bowler.

“It came as a huge delight because I knew better than anyone just how dangerous he can be.

“With all the celebrations and sponsor obligations afterwards I didn’t get a chance to speak to Ravi but hopefully we’ll catch up before I head home so I get his thoughts on the dismissal.”

Napier also added a personal landmark to a successful day when his two dismissals took him into the outright lead as the highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket, with 88.

“It’s a great feeling to be top of the list,” he said. “I might not stay there for long, as Tyron Henderson (who is third in the list) is playing some Twenty20 matches shortly, but it is a great honour to have been there at all.

“There are a lot of class cricketers around so I am pleased to have had so much success in this format.”