Monty Panesar looks to make Sussex progress

Panesar has taken 126 wickets in 39 Tests for England

Monty Panesar says he is looking to ignite a new phase in his career after moving to Sussex.

The spinner has joined the Hove-based county on a three-year deal after leaving Northants and having his central contract terminated by the ECB.

He told BBC Sussex: "I feel this is a kick-start to the second phase of my career and I'm obviously very excited about coming to Sussex.

"I've got to keep developing and learning about my game."

He added: "It may take time to settle but in 2010 I'm looking to build a good foundation. I'm hungry to work hard.

"With the three years that I have I'm looking to build on that further and grow as a team together.

"I'm still relatively young as a spinner, I'm still learning myself and it's part of my development of this long journey of becoming a successful cricketer."

Panesar played for the Highveld Lions in South Africa over the English winter in order to hone his game.

"I've really enjoyed going out there and taking the responsibility of being an overseas player because it's a totally different experience," he said.

"It was another learning phase for the development that I want to make into a top-class cricketer."

Sussex have not had a senior front-line spin bowler as a full-time member of the playing staff since Mushtaq Ahmed left at the end of the 2008 season.

Sussex head coach Mark Robinson told BBC Sussex: "I think people forget how good his record is. He's had a tough time the last couple of years.

"We're hoping as a club we're at the right place at the right time to pick up a re-motivated and a re-energised Monty Panesar."