Saggers set for Essex debut

Martin Saggers in action

New recruit Martin Saggers has been added to Essex’s squad for their LV County Championship Division Two match against Northamptonshire.

Saggers has joined Essex on loan from Kent as the county struggle with injuries to their pace bowling attack.

There is one other change to the team which beat Glamorgan by four wickets last week, with Andre Nel coming in for Tim Phillips.

With Ronnie Irani still opting out of four-day cricket, Mark Pettini retains the captaincy, and Ravi Bopara will be hoping to impress the England selectors once more after his innings of 147 at Swansea.

Northamptonshire have included off-spinner Jason Brown in their 12-man squad to take on Essex at Chelmsford.

Monty Panesar has hooked up with the England squad in Old Trafford after playing for Northants against Gloucestershire, leaving the county’s spinner’s position vacant.

Northants finished a thrilling encounter with Gloucestershire on Monday, falling short by just five runs as Lance Klusener followed up his 96 in the first innings with 111 in the second.

But his dismissal prompted a horrendous collapse which captain David Sales, who was out for 99, will be hoping to improve when they take on Essex, who are just eight points above them in the table.