Maunders in for Essex

John Maunders has been signed by Essex for the rest of the year © Getty Images

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Essex have included former Leicstershire opener John Maunders in their squad for the LV County Championship match against Northamptonshire.

The 27-year-old left-hander has featured in Essex’s 2nd XI over the latter part of the campaign, averaging 53.50 in championship cricket and 47.50 in the Second Eleven Trophy, with a century in each competition.

He lines up alongside Jaik Mickleburgh, who has also had a successful season with the second XI.

Associate player of the year nominee Ryan ten Doeschate is also included, with fellow all-rounder Ravi Bopara returning from England duty to take his place in the 13-man squad. International team-mate Alastair Cook is unavailable.

Northamptonshire have named a squad of 13 for the game, with Steven Crook in line to return to the final XI.

Nicky Boje also comes back into the reckoning after missing out on the match against Glamorgan with injury.

He will resume the captaincy from Lance Klusener, who scored a double hundred in the last game, proving that the added responsibility did not affect his batting.

Niall O’Brien keeps his place at the top of the order after scoring 168, while Johan van der Wath is also likely to play after taking five wickets.