[1] Napier played first-class cricket for his home county of Essex since the outset of his senior career in 1997.

Between 1997 and 1999 Napier played in four Youth Test matches in England against Zimbabwe, South Africa (twice) and Australia's respective under-19 teams.

Born in Colchester, Essex, Napier was a medium pace bowler, who was capable of reaching speeds between 85 mph-90 mph.

[6] On 1 May 2009, Napier was confirmed as a member of the 15-man England squad for the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup on the same day as he made his first appearance for the Mumbai Indians.

On 22 June 2013, Napier took career best bowling figures of 7 wickets for 90 runs against Leicestershire.