Monty Panesar apologises as Sussex release him from county contract

Monty Panesar has apologised for letting down Sussex and vowed to earn England selection for this winter's Ashes tour after being released from his county contract following an incident at a Brighton nightclub.

Panesar today signed for Essex on loan for the rest of the season.

The 31-year-old England spinner was fined by police for urinating on bouncers after he was thrown out of the club on August 5.

Sussex announced they would investigate the matter and have now confirmed that the left-arm spinner has played his last match for them.

Panesar released a statement in which he said: "I apologise for letting the club, my colleagues and my fans down.

"I am determined to do whatever it takes to gain selection for England this winter. I want to become the best I can be."

Sussex today announced that England spinner Monty Panesar will be released by the club at the end of the season “to get his life back on track”.

Sussex chief executive Zac Toumazi said: “Clearly this situation has been a very difficult time for Monty Panesar. This will give him every opportunity to put his personal and professional life back on track.”