Mason has been powerless to prevent the team from being relegated

He has only played one Championship match this season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.

But Mason plans to play grade cricket in Australia this winter in a bid to regain full fitness.

"I will be in the last year of my contract in 2008 so it's really important I have a big season if I want to extend my career," he said.

"There will be a bit of pressure on me, but I am just looking forward to getting back out there and playing.

"I think I have a good couple of years left in me as a player, so it's important that next year I am feeling strong and not missing any games."