Spinner wants to ‘improve’ England chances
SPINNER Monty Panesar has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Sussex County Cricket Club and has immediately set himself a target of getting back into the England set up.
The 27-year-old was allowed to leave Northamptonshire after a decade at the club.
Panesar said the move would be a new “challenge” both at club and country level.
“I am extremely grateful to Northamptonshire for all their support in my career so far and also for allowing me to make this move,” he said.
“I know Michael Yardy well from rooming with him on tour, so I am really looking forward to working under his captaincy and with the coaching staff at Hove to help the Club reclaim its Division 1 status and maintain its premier position in the shorter forms of the game.”
“Success in this new challenge with Sussex can only improve my chances of reclaiming my place in the England standings, which is the pinnacle for any player,” he added.
Panesar, who is currently spending the winter in South Africa playing for the Highveld Lions, has found himself out of favour with England.
His last appearance came in the Ashes series this summer when he saved the Cardiff Ashes Test with his batting.
Former Northants coach David Capel said the club felt it was right time to allow Panesar to move to Sussex.
“I am sad that Monty is moving on, however as a coach and a supporter of English cricket I am sure that a move at this stage of his career is the right thing for Monty,” he said
“I am sure he will relish the new challenge ahead of him, everyone at Northants wishes him well and look forward to seeing Monty regaining his place in the England Team.”
