Who's that coming down to Sussex? It's Monty Panesar!

MONTY Panesar is hoping his move to Sussex will kick-start his stalling career and revive his chances of a return to the England team.

The 27-year-old left-arm spinner signed for three-years on Monday, despite having a year left on his contract at Northamptonshire, where he made his first class debut in 2001.

After he lost his ECB central contract last season, his future at Wantage Road has been the subject of speculation, with the county being one of the poorest on the circuit.

Sussex moved quickly to secure his services as they look to bounce back to Division One of the County Championship next season and maintain their position as the premier one-day side in the country.

"I am extremely grateful to Northamptonshire for all their support in my career so far and also for allowing me to make this move," Panesar 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 One 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."

Panesar is currently playing for Highveld Lions in South African domestic cricket as he looks to fine tune his game before the season begins. He has worked extensively in recent months with Mushtaq Ahmed, the former Sussex leg spinner and England bowling coach who still has close links with the county, and this must have been a factor in Panesar's decision.

Panesar burst onto the international scene for England in 2006 and it took him only 28 matches to reach 100 wickets. But he has struggled for form over the last two seasons.

His current Test record is 126 wickets from 39 matches at an average of 34.37.

His figures for last season didn't make good reading. He took only 18 wickets in 13 championship matches at a cost of 59.44 runs each, but the change of scenery could be just what he needs to rediscover his form.

Mark Robinson, Sussex's professional cricket manager, said: "I am very excited about the prospect of Monty joining us from 2010. It is a testament to the club that we are able to attract a player of Monty's calibre and I am sure he will play a key part in helping us achieve our aims for the coming season."