Johann Louw

Louw impressed in 2004 after being signed as Northamptonshire’s overseas replacement for fellow South African Andre Nel, producing consistent spells of pace and taking 60 wickets.

Plays his domestic cricket in South Africa for Eastern Province - who are coached by Northamptonshire coach Kepler Wessels - and struck his first century for them against Borland after moving from Griqualand West in 2004.

Played for Heywood in the Central Lancashire League in 2001, scoring 1,026 runs and taking 75 wickets during a successful spell. Also won the Lancashire League title with East Lancs in 2003.

Qualified under the Kolpak ruling and was not classed as an overseas player.

However, he requested to be released from Northamptonshire at the end of the 2005 season, in order to concentrate on playing in South Africa.

He signed to play for Middlesex in 2006 as their second overseas player alongside New Zealander Scott Styris.

He returned to being classed as an overseas player after playing South African domestic cricket.

Northamptonshire re-signed him for the 2008 season in March of that year.