Panesar released by Essex

The 33-year-old joined the county in 2013, but struggled for first team cricket this season, and was made unavailable for selection due to ‘off-field issues’.

He turned out for Luton Town & Indians towards the end of the campaign, although did return to the Essex side and picked up his 700th first class wicket recently.

Former Somerset wicketkeeper Neil Burns, who acts as a mentor to Panesar, told the Guardian newspaper: “Monty is very disappointed to be leaving Essex. He enjoyed playing for them. He is going to take some time now to reflect on his career but the priority remains his wellbeing, with cricket coming second.

“He will look to play some overseas cricket this winter and hopefully the correct opportunity unfolds that can help support his ongoing development, so by April we will have confirmation that he is back to his best. And I still feel his best years could be ahead of him.”