Stuart Law launched an astonishing attack on the Essex management and his team-mates to fuel speculation that this might be his last season with the county.

The overseas player hinted on Friday that he might not be playing for Essex once his contract expired at the end of this season.

And matters came to a head before the start of the match against Australia, although county chiefs claim the matter has been resolved.

"People tried to put pressure on me to play even though I told them I had a problem with a finger and foot and needed a rest," said the 32-year-old Aussie star.

"They didn't seem to believe me and put a knife in my back until I walked in with the X-rays showing the finger was broken. Then a few people shut up and tried to be friendly again.

"I don't get much support. The dressing room is divided and some players stab you in the back," added the leading batsman. "I don't get the loyalty or respect which I think I deserve."

Law, whose injury is expected to keep him out of action for a fortnight, admitted he was bitterly disappointed to have been given only a one-year contract at the end of last season.

"I think I deserved a better one because I have always given my all for the county and scored plenty of runs," he said.

"I'm a loyal person and Essex through and through. I haven't got too many cricketing years left and I'd like to think that I would stay with the county.

"I can do one of two things - grin and bear it or sever ties. All I want is to play and enjoy my cricket.

"My contract finishes at the end of September. I can only repeat I'd like to think I could stay with Essex but if a very good offer came from elsewhere I would be obliged to consider it seriously".

Essex chief executive David East said he was disappointed by Law's decision to air his grievances through the media.

"Every dressing room has its tensions but usually any problem is resolved internally," he said.

"We made it clear we wanted to field a full strength side (against the Australians) so in that sense pressure was put on him to turn out.

"But that was before we knew the extent of his finger injury. Obviously we would not have insisted on him playing if he had made us aware it was broken much earlier than he did."

East said Law's outburst was unlikely to result in disciplinary action and admitted the county would be reluctant to lose a player of his talent.

"As for contracts - decisions on every player will be reached towards the end of the season," he said.

"If Stuart says he is open to offers then that's his decision. It is not our intention to stand in a player's way if he is unhappy.

"It is clear that he has a problem but I would like to think the situation can be resolved."

If Law does leave there will be no lack of offers from other counties, with Lancashire likely to head the queue.

Last week he scored three centuries in as many days against the northern county and a vacancy for an overseas player next year will exist at Old Trafford because Muttiah Muralitharan will be touring England with Sri Lanka.

Those close to Lancashire say that the Law situation is "being watched very closely" and the fact that his wife's family live in the Manchester area is another reason why such a move would be tempting.

Stuart Law - anger over pressure to play his countrymen

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