Off-spinner Jason Brown has made a long-term commitment to Northamptonshire on the eve of his first overseas tour with the full England side.

The 26-year-old, who was awarded his county cap last September after capturing 57 Championship wickets in nine matches, flies off to Sri Lanka today (Tues) with Nasser Hussain's squad, after spending a month with the England 'A' team in the Caribbean.

And Brown has agreed a two-year extension to his existing contract, keeping him on board at Wantage Road until at least the end of 2003.

Director of Cricket Bob Carter said: "I'm delighted that Jason has taken this opportunity to pledge his immediate future to us.

"We have a developing side here and it's important that we try to keep this group of players together. To do that, we need to offer them some security - and that's what we've done with Jason.

"We're also keen to back David Sales as he recovers from his long-term injury, and with that in mind we've offered him an extension to his existing contract as well."

Meanwhile, Carter hopes to name Northamptonshire's overseas player for the 2001 season within the next month.

He returned last week from an overseas trip, part of which was spent liasing with former skipper Matthew Hayden – whose likely presence in Australia's Ashes squad this summer has necessitated the search for a replacement - and talking to potential signings.

"I currently have a shortlist of three players, and it's a question now of making the final decision and then sorting out the various arrangements," added Carter.

"It's my intention to have it all settled by the end of February, and we'll make the announcement to our supporters as soon as we can."

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