Spinner Monty Panesar will attempt to rejuvenate his career at the county where it all began after he was included in Northamptonshire’s squad for the new season.
The 33-year-old, who has 50 England Test caps and 27 international limited-overs appearances to his name, was released by Essex at the end of last season after struggling for form.
Panesar turned to his old club last year following surgery and asked for assistance in returning to fitness from long-term friends, Northamptonshire head physio Barry Goudriaan and head coach David Ripley.
After spending the winter training at Wantage Road while recovering from shoulder surgery, Panesar secured independent financial support to cover his wages in order to play at the County Ground, where he spent eight years between 2001 and 2009 before leaving for Sussex.
Welcome back @MontyPanesar https://t.co/YppR3p2YWx pic.twitter.com/glzxF62dCF
— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) April 4, 2016
Ripley said: “Monty has worked hard at his fitness which is progressing. He joined us on our pre-season tour to Barbados of his own volition where he fitted in well with the rest of the lads. He will now have to prove himself for selection.”
Northants captain Alex Wakely added: “I would be very excited to have Monty as part of the squad as his Test pedigree and experience will be really helpful to the rest of the lads.
“We’ve all had some honest conversations, but he is fitting in really well. He still has to prove his worth and Graeme White is bowling very well at the moment so he still faces some challenges to get a place on a team.”
Source: ECB