North London CC hope to sign a new overseas player next week after all-rounder Anees Davids flew home to look after his sick mother.

The South African was forced to cut short his stay with the Crouch End club less than a month into the season, when his mother was diagnosed with cancer.

NL are in talks with potential replacements and aim to have a new man in place for their next home Middlesex County League game against South Hampstead a week on Saturday.

“Sadly Anees had to go home and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” said NL captain Jack Atchinson. “We were excited about what he could bring to the table and it’s sad to lose him.

“We’re working hard to try and secure someone else and we’ve been in discussion with a couple of guys. Hopefully we’ll get someone on a plane next week.

NL suffered a six-wicket defeat at home to Barnes in their first Division Three match without Davids on Saturday.