The axe has fallen on Michael Blackwood, Martyn Chalk, Robin Gibson, Craig Faulconbridge, Kevin Sharp, David Walsh, Dave Warren and Gareth Williams.

BBC: Smith starts Wrexham clear-out

Kevin Sharp made 24 in a stand of 57 with Love before becoming off-spinner Williams's third victim and Northants ran out David Bairstow and Phil Carrick as the tension increased.

BBC: Five great finals

Shane Watson, a notably poor runner, suffered a breakdown in communication with Phillip Hughes and Kevin Pietersen's sharp pick-up and return to Prior had him run out by the length of the pitch.

BBC: Ashes: England close in on series victory in Australia

However, although Kewell will be a hot favourite for the young player award, Manchester United skipper Roy Keane and Sunderland sharp-shooter Kevin Phillips seem set to battle it out for the senior award which was won last year by David Ginola.

BBC: Kewell bidding for double honour