FORMER England international Monty Panesar’s future at Essex and even the sport as a whole is in some doubt.

The 33-year-old, who has won 50 Test caps for England, has not played for Essex since April and it has now been revealed he is taking an indefinite break from the game and seeking help from the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

The exact reasons for why Panesar is asking for help is not clear. Reports, however, say it is not alcohol related.

Panesar, who last played for England in the Ashes loss to Australia Down Under in 2013/2014, has had a troubled past few years.

He moved to Essex two years ago after Sussex lost patience with him.

The move came after Panesar was arrested and fined for being drunk and disorderly after he was alleged to have urinated over nightclub bouncers.

He has shown glimpses of his potential at Essex but last year he was fined and dropped by coach Paul Grayson because of poor timekeeping.

Panesar still managed to finish the season with 46 first-class wickets at an average of 24.85 last season and took 11 wickets in one match at Glamorgan.

He started this season full of optimism, telling the Echo in April that his best years were ahead of him.

Panesar said: “I feel my best years for England and Essex are ahead of me.

“I feel as though I have a lot of cricket left in me and getting back in the England team is a very big ambition of mine.”

Panesar’s words now seem hollow as he has not been seen in an Essex shirt since their County Championship game against Surrey at the end of April.

Essex have since signed Pakistan spinner Adeel Malik and promoted Aron Nijjar.

Panesar did make an appearance for Ravi Bopara’s All Star team during a match for Bopara’s benefit season at Chelmsford last Thursday and took 4-16, suggesting all is not lost for the popular spinner just yet.