Northants return on cards for Panesar

Monty Panesar could return to Northamptonshire as he looks to revive his career, with the possibility that the ECB will contribute to his wages.

When Panesar was released by Essex at the end of the 2015 season it appeared his career might be over. Despite his relative youth at the age of 33 and obvious talent - he has taken 167 wickets in his 50 Tests - many in the game were jaded by his erratic behaviour. Both his previous clubs, Essex and Sussex, dropped him due to disciplinary issues.

But with a five-Test series in India looming towards the end of 2016, England are not in a position where they can ignore such a talent. So with Panesar having admitted he required professional help and committed to sticking with the programme of treatment and personal development devised by Neil Burns, the MD of London County Mentoring, and termed by him as "inner fitness," the ECB is considering offering Panesar a lifeline in the game.

Panesar emerged through the youth system at Bedfordshire and Northants and played some of his best cricket for the club. But he lost his central contract at a time when Northants were committed to the signing of Nicky Boje and, with the club struggling to fulfil his salary expectations, he was allowed to leave for Sussex at the end of the 2009 season.

That moved was, initially, successful for both parties. Panesar delivered a heavy volume of overs and won a recall to the England side in 2012. But then personal problems intervened and he was released from the club towards the end of the 2013 season.

A move back to Northamptonshire appeals for several reasons. Not only would enable him to live close to his family in Luton and benefit from their stabilising influence, but it is close to the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) he attends in Coventry.

While Northants' straitened financial circumstances might be expected to preclude a high-profile signing, ESPNcricinfo understands that the player's salary could be paid, either in part or entirely, by the ECB. The ECB, mindful of Panesar's potential and keen to encourage greater engagement with Asian communities, also contributes to the salary of Wasim Khan, the CEO at Leicestershire, and paid a portion of Panesar's salary at Essex. The PCA and private sponsors arranged by Burns could also contribute.

One potential sticking point is the presence of Graeme White at Northants. The 28-year-old is also a left-arm spinner and, having waited a long time for an opportunity, is well respected at the club. Panesar's return could require Northants to re-consider the balance of their side and possibly play two spinners. The precedent is there from the past when Panesar and Swann operated in tandem. Jason Brown and Michael Davies also represented the club in a period when the attack sometimes included three spinners.

Another is Panesar's preference to play Division One cricket. But while he would rather play at the higher level, it currently seems there are few clubs with either the space in the squad or the inclination to accommodate him. Northants, where his career first flourished, could yet be the scene of its revival.

Panesar, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, hopes to start bowling again in January and is planning on spending February in Cape Town as he picks up his rehabilitation. He has recently gained an ECB Level 2 coaching certificate and will work on gaining the Level 3 ahead of the new season.

"Monty has made significant progress since the middle of last summer," Burns told ESPNcricinfo, "and I expect him to be close to his best once his minor shoulder operation completes the healing process through December so he is fit to bowl in January.

"I am full of admiration for the way in which he has confronted his issues. He has been overwhelmed by the support he has received of late and he is now well-placed to play the best cricket of his career.

"I've always said that better people play better cricket and there is still magic in those fingers. His best cricket really could be in front of him."