Panesar to join Northants on Barbados tour

The spinner has been training with his former club as he bids to get back in the game following his release by Essex at the end of last season.

Panesar continues to recover from shoulder surgery and has opted to fund his own trip to give himself the best chance of being fit for the new season.

It will give him the opportunity to maintain his rehab with physio Barry Goudriaan as well as share his knowledge of top-level cricket with younger members of the playing squad.

“It’s good commitment from him,” Northants head coach David Ripley told this publication.

“Our role really at this stage has just been to try to help him get back to fitness and by the time we get back from Barbados we’ll have a better picture of how he’s getting on.

“A lot of people want to fast forward, but he’s not signed a contract. All we’ve done is let him join in the sessions and help him with his rehab on his shoulder.

“He hasn’t been able to do much yet because he only started turning his arm over last week.

“It’s about ticking things off. He’s had a few personal problems so from our perspective it’s how Monty gets on in the dressing room and that’s all gone well in these early stages.

“Then it’s about him getting fit and whether he can recapture some of the form he’s shown when he’s been at his best.

“He was England’s best spin bowler not long ago and if he manages to get back to that level, there’s a fair chance he may play some cricket for us.”

Meanwhile, Rob Newton will not travel as he continues to recover from a groin problem. Senior Academy player Tom Sole will take his place.

Adam Rossington and Graeme White have returned from their winter seasons in Australia, while Rory Kleinveldt and Richard Levi will regroup with the squad at the start of April.

Training in Barbados will take place throughout the tour with the first competition starting on Saturday; a T20 knockout against Barbados with the final matches taking place on Sunday at the Kensington Oval.

The squad will face Barbados again on Wednesday, March 16 for a one-day game.

Finally, there will be a two-day game against Nottinghamshire starting on March 18 March before flights home on March 20.