Northamptonshire vice-captain Tony Penberthy has been awarded a benefit in 2002.

The 31-year-old Cornishman made his county debut in 1989 and was capped five years later. He has notched up more than 350 appearances for the club in all competitions.

"Tony has been an excellent servant to the club over the past 14 seasons," said Chief Executive Stephen Coverdale.

"He seems to be a cricketer who, like a good wine, is improving with age! He's making very significant contributions for Northamptonshire both on and off the field, and we're sure our supporters will want to back his benefit next year."

Penberthy joined the staff in 1988 and made an early mark when he dismissed Australia's Mark Taylor with his first ball in first-class cricket the following June.

He was a member of Northamptonshire's NatWest Trophy-winning side in 1992, and played a key role in the successes of 2000, both in four-day and one-day cricket.

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