Hampshire let Taylor leave

Hampshire will release veteran seam bowler and one-day specialist Billy Taylor at the end of the season

Hampshire have decided to release veteran seamer Billy Taylor at the end of the season.

The former Sussex player has struggled for games at the Rose Bowl this season with the arrival of Dominic Cork and emergence of David Griffiths.

Taylor has been on a one-day contract since the start of the 2008 season and has only made 54 first class appearances since his debut in 1999.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “On behalf of Hampshire cricket and all our members and spectators, I would like to thank Billy for his contribution to our club. Billy has been a real crowd favourite and I know he will be missed by many.

“However, together with Giles White, we have decided that our bowling focus lies elsewhere and we have agreed with Billy that now is the right time to part ways.

"We all wish Billy every success in his future career and hope to see him on a regular basis visiting his many friends here at The Rose Bowl.”

Taylor added: “I have had six fantastic years at Hampshire and would like to thank all the players and coaching staff for their support.

“I would really like to thank the fans, who have all been so supportive of me and I will miss them singing my name and giving me such a warm welcome on and off the field, it truly has meant so much to me.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and will take away some great memories. I plan to stay involved in cricket and hope to be a regular visitor to The Rose Bowl in years to come.”

Taylor’s 136 first-class wickets have come at an average of 33 with best figures of 6-32 coming playing for Hampshire against Middlesex.

It is in one-day cricket where Taylor has made his biggest impact - securing 182 victims at an impressive 25.

Taylor has also taken three hat-tricks in his career. Two came while playing for Sussex and one for Hampshire, which was the first ever first class hat-trick to be taken at the Rose Bowl.