Monty Panesar has been named in the Essex team for the first time since April.
The 33-year-old former England spinner has been unavailable for selection because of off-field issues and has been receiving help from the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
However, Panesar was handed the opportunity to make his comeback by the head coach, Paul Grayson, when he was named in the side to play Surrey at Colchester in the County Championship. The former Northamptonshire player had a watching brief on day one, after Essex won the toss and elected to bat.
Panesar has played four times for Essex’s second XI this season.