Michael Davies Photo © AllSport UK

Northamptonshire have announced that they are to release 24 year old left arm spinner, Michael Davies. The fortunes of Davies have swung wildly in the last 12 months, as this time last year he was celebrating an England 'A call up having won the club's young player of the year award.

This season he has found his star eclipsed by off spinner Jason Brown, and only appeared in 4 championship games. Bob Carter, Northants' director of cricket, was sorry to have to make the decision. "It's a shame for Michael, but he was unlikely to make it into out team at the start of next season ahead of Brown and Swann," he explained.

"We've also offered full terms to Monty Panesar, who's taking a year out from his studies, so Michael's opportunities would have been limited."

Mudhusuden Panesar is an 18 year old left arm spinner, who it is hoped will help compliment the off spin of Brown and Swann.

Northants' also released 20 year old seamer Robin Sutcliffe, who missed the whole season due to injury.

© CricInfo