Panesar signs new Northants deal

Northants spinner Monty Panesar has signed a new two-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2010.

The 26-year-old England international has played his entire county career so far for Northants.

He told Northants' website: "I am really happy here and especially enjoy working with [head coach] David Capel and the coaching staff.

"There are exciting times ahead for English cricket and Northants and I am pleased to be a part of it."

The deal means Panesar will be at Northampton when the English Premier League begins in 2010.

Northants chief executive Mark Tagg said: "Monty is a key member of our plans going forward and we are all delighted he will be continuing his association with a club that he has been on the professional staff since 1999 and as a capped player from 2006."

The left-armer has a bowling average of 30.83 from 87 first-class matches and he was voted a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2007.