Louw agrees new contract

I think he will become a real force in the English game Coach Kepler Wessels

South African seam bowler Johann Louw has agreed a three-year contract with Northants after a successful first season with the club.

Louw will no longer be classed as an overseas player and will play under the terms of the Kolpak ruling.

The 25-year-old, who hopes to qualify for England, has taken 60 Championship wickets at a cost of 26 runs each.

He said he had taken the decision with a "definite view of pursuing a dream of playing international cricket".

Louw added: "I want to thank my friends in South Africa for their support and encouragement throughout the years.

"It has been a very difficult decision but I believe it is the right one for my future."

Northamptonshire have, meanwhile, released opening batsman Mark Powell, ending his six-year association with the club.

He looks set to follow a career outside cricket after accepting a job with a London accountancy firm.

Powell, 23, scored 1,024 runs in 27 first-class matches with two centuries.