Brooks commits to Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire have managed to fight off interest from at least four other counties and secure Jack Brooks, the pace bowler, on a new two-year contract.

Brooks, who has taken 43 Championship wickets this season and has recently been named in the England Lions squad to face Sri Lanka A, had been approached by Yorkshire among other teams but has now committed his short-term future to Wantage Road.

"I'm very happy to know that my future lies here at Northants for the next two years," Brooks said. "The club has been great to me and I'm keen to re-pay their investment by helping Northants gain promotion to the top flight of the Championship and challenge for trophies across all competitions in the coming months and seasons. I also believe this is the best place for me to continue to develop my all-round game as I strive to further my career.

"It's very flattering to be courted by other clubs and I thank them for their interest but I've made this decision for purely cricketing reasons," he added. "I believe the club is going places. There are some talented youngsters here and I know that I'm one of the players the club is looking at to take the club forward. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

David Capel, the head coach, said: "This is an important signing for Northants and one that is mutually exciting for supporters, and also for Jack himself. He's done very well for us this year and it's good that he is marrying his own ambitions with those of the club."