Scott Brant may have played his last game for Essex.

Despite the 21-year-old left-arm fast bowler still having another year to run on his contract, it is understood he might agree to a compensation package to relinquish ties with the county.

Brant returned to Queens-land a few days ago after his season was cut short by persistent ankle problems. That climaxed a disappointing season for the player who managed to pick up only nine Champion-ship wickets in six matches for an average of around 65 runs each.

It was the second time Brant's summer has come to an abrupt end. In July last year he returned home with a knee injury which required major surgery.

If Brant does not return, Essex would probably look no further than Andre Adams for a permanent replacement.

The New Zealander has proved both popular and successful since joining the county a month ago, first as a replacement for Danish Kaneria when the Pakistani was away on Asia Cup duty and now as a stand-in for the injured Brant.

Published Wednesday August 25, 2004

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