Lancashire lose Loye

Mal Loye has called time on his Lancashire career after seven seasons in favour of a return to his native Northamptonshire

Mal Loye, Lancashire’s leading County Championship run-scorer in three of the last six seasons, has announced he is leaving the club to rejoin Northamptonshire.

The former England batsman, who turned 37 on Sunday, rejected the offer of a new contract in favour of a two-year deal at Wantage Road, where he plied his trade for 12 seasons before heading north.

Loye topped the Lancashire batting charts this summer with 983 runs at an average of 54.61 in the championship, but he is believed to have been offered the chance to move into coaching at his native county after his playing career comes to an end.

“Contractual discussions have been ongoing throughout the season,” said Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson. “It became apparent that irrespective of the terms or length of our contract offer to Mal, his decision to move on had been made.

“Mal has made great contributions for Lancashire both on and off the field and I wish him well for the years ahead.”

Loye said: “I’m delighted to be back. I had a feeling that I would return and when I was coming through the gates yesterday, I know I’ve made a positive decision to come back, and I can’t wait for play for Northants once again.”

Northants head coach David Capel added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Mal back home. I’m delighted that he has come back after seven years of gaining even more valuable experience from his time with Lancashire.

“I’m sure Mal will bring with him, not only his batting and cricketing skills, but a vast amount of knowledge to share with us all.”

Loye spent seven seasons at Lancashire, during which he scored 10,603 runs in all competitions and won seven one-day international caps for England in early 2007.

As well as this season, he was Lancashire’s most prolific batsman in the championship in 2004 and 2006, and was awarded a benefit year in 2008.

However, a back problem has limited his involvement in recent years, and he has slipped down the pecking order in limited-overs cricket this summer, playing just four matches.