Panesar released from Essex

CRICKET: Former England spinner Monty Panesar is one of four players who were released by Essex yesterday.

The 33-year-old joins Saf Imtiaz, Matt Salisbury and Greg Smith in leaving the Chelmsford club.

He took his 700th first-class wicket earlier this season but his release from Essex represents another challenge for him to face.

Panesar has 167 wickets in 50 Tests for England, last playing in 2013.

Three months out for Wilshere

FOOTBALL: Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will require surgery to fix a hairline fracture in his left leg and is set to be out for around three months, the club announced yesterday.

Manager Arsene Wenger last week revealed the midfielder had suffered a “little setback” in his scheduled recovery from the injury sustained in pre-season.

Wilshere has started 28 of a possible 81 matches in the league since August 2013.

White handed Wales captaincy

RUGBY LEAGUE: Widnes hooker Lloyd White was yesterday named Wales captain for the end-of-season European Championship, with Wigan prop Ben Flower named by coach John Kear as vice-captain.

White, 26, who has won 12 caps after making his debut against England in 2009, takes over from Peter Lupton, who led the side last season but has recently left the English game to live in the United States.

Keinhorst hoping for swift return

RUGBY LEAGUE: Leeds centre Jimmy Keinhorst could be back in action in the next fortnight after being cleared yesterday of a suspected fractured eye socket.

Keinhorst was sent for scans after damaging his eye in the Rhinos’ home defeat by St Helens 11 days ago but the club have revealed the injury is not as serious as first feared and he will not need surgery.

Keinhorst is unlikely to play against Castleford tomorrow.