Northants look to keep Hussey

Northamptonshire will offer a new contract to Australian opener Mike Hussey in the wake of the left-hander's stunning debut season in county cricket.

The 26-year-old from Perth scored 2,055 first-class runs at 79.04, including a record-breaking 329 not out against Essex at Northampton, and finished just short of 3,000 runs in all cricket.

He was named as Northants' Weetabix Player of the Year after carrying off the monthly awards for both June and July.

Matthew Hayden, who captained the county in 1999 and 2000, has confirmed that he will not be available in 2002, prompting Northants to try and extend Hussey's stay at Wantage Road.

Director of Cricket Bob Carter said: "Matt has informed us that he won't be able to play next summer because of his international commitments."

"Mike has done a brilliant job for us this year, we will be offering him fresh terms and we very much hope he'll accept."

Hussey received his award on Tuesday from Jerry Higgins of Weetabix, while Dennis Brookes presented 21-year-old all-rounder Robert White with the Frank Rudd Trophy as the club's top young cricketer of the year.

Meanwhile, Northants have confirmed the offer of a two-year contract to the 25-year-old former Gauteng and Free State wicketkeeper/batsman Gerard Brophy, whose Irish passport prevents him being regarded as an overseas player.