Hampshire release Cork

Dominic Cork led Hampshire to the Friends Provident t20 title last season, having aided Friends Provident Trophy glory a year before

Hampshire captain Dominic Cork will leave the county at the end of this campaign after they decided not to offer him a new contract.

The 40-year-old former England all-rounder has played at the Rose Bowl for three seasons, having joined from Lancashire. He helped win the Friends Provident Trophy in 2009 and lifted the Friends Provident t20 crown last year.

Cork, who began his career at Derbyshire and played 37 Tests plus 32 one-day internationals, signed a one-year contract extension last October and officially took over the captaincy from Dimitri Mascarenhas in March.

He led Hampshire to the Friends Life t20 semi-finals this season but they are bottom of LV= County Championship Division One with a game to play.

Should Cork, who missed this week’s defeat to Lancashire, fail to face Warwickshire from Monday, his last contribution for Hampshire will be bowling a stunning final over to tie their FLt20 semi-final with Somerset, who won the subsequent one-over eliminator.

Hampshire manager Giles White said: “Dom has made an outstanding contribution to this club over the last three years.

"He’s been a very popular figure and has played a huge part in a successful period in the club’s history. Two trophies and leading the club to another finals day says it all. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Chairman Rod Bransgrove added: “Dominic has had a fantastic impact on this club since his arrival in 2009. I should like to thank him for his commitment, enthusiasm and contribution over these three seasons and wish him every success in the future.”

Hampshire are yet to announced Cork’s successor as captain.