Monty Panesar as signed with Northamptonshire until at least 2008. This week Panesar was granted an ECB central contract so the club are unlikely to see much of their left-arm spinner next summer.

Panesar said: "I am please to have signed a two-year contract with Northants. I am looking forward to continuing to work with David Capel, David Ripley and my team-mates. I would like to thank all the members and fans for their support.’

The chief executive, Mark Tagg added: “We are absolutely delighted that Monty has decided to continue his association with the club. Monty has been a shining example of our development work and we hope that he is the first of a number of young players who we currently have in our squad and our Academy who will become household names for England over future years.

"The club has had a successful end to the season and with the spirit and teamwork that we are now showing we have very high hopes for the next few years at the County Ground”.