Monty Panesar among four players to leave Essex after this season
Tuesday 15 September 2015 16:51, UK
Former England spinner Monty Panesar is one of four players who will leave Essex at the end of the season, the club have announced.
Panesar, who has taken more than 700 first-class wickets during his career, will be joined by Greg Smith, Matt Salisbury and Saf Imtiaz.
Following his release, the 33-year-old Panesar faces a significant challenge if he is to add to his 50 Test caps for England.
He has not featured for the national team since the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne in 2013 on the disastrous whitewash Ashes tour.
Panesar joined Essex, originally on loan, ahead of the 2013 Colchester Festival, before making a permanent move to Chelmsford at the end of the season. He played a key role as Essex narrowly missed out on promotion in 2014.
Smith, 32, has been at the County since joining from Derbyshire in September 2011. He played 36 first-class matches for the club, with the highlight being a career-best 177 away against Gloucestershire in 2013.
Salisbury was a regular for Essex's 2nd XI when a good performance for Cambridge MCCU, against the first team, put him in contention for a spot in the full side, and he signed in 2013. However, injuries have slowed his development.
Saf Imtiaz was on a short-term contract after graduating from the Essex Academy. He has spent the season playing as a keeper for the 2nd XI.
