Northants sign cover for Rogers

Northamptonshire have signed Davey Jacobs, the South African batsman, as a temporary replacement for Chris Rogers, one of their overseas players. Rogers is out for at least a month after breaking his left thumb in the Friends Provident Trophy match against Nottinghamshire last week.

Jacobs, 24, is a team-mate of Johan van der Wath with the Eagles, who are based in Blomfontein. In 44 first-class matches to date he has scored 3,229 runs at 41.39 including a career-best 218 in 2005. In 2006 he toured Australia with South Africa's Emerging Players team.

"We looked at a lot of options and now we're very pleased to have Davey with us until Chris is fit again," said David Capel, Northants' head coach. "I'm sure he can do a job for us, and at the same time it's a good showcase for him in county cricket."

Jacobs is expected to make his Championship debut this Tuesday, in the home match against Somerset.