Dalrymple departs as Rayner returns
Experienced all-rounder Jamie Dalrymple has left Middlesex after the club were unable to grant his desire to take on a leadership role
Middlesex have parted company with former England all-rounder Jamie Dalrymple, on the same day as Ollie Rayner completed a permanent move to the club from Sussex.
Dalrymple, 30, played an integral role in helping Middlesex gain promotion from Division Two of the LV= County Championship as title-winners. In 11 four-day appearances he contributed 505 runs at an average of 36, including two centuries, as well as taking 10 wickets and eight catches.
However, the former Glamorgan captain, who returned to Lord’s at the beginning of this season, had expressed his desire to take on greater responsibility, a request Middlesex were unable to grant.
Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser explained: “His passion lies in leadership and man-management roles and these are not positions that are currently available at Middlesex.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jamie for all his input into Middlesex over the course of 10 seasons in total and to wish him well for the future, whether that is in the game or elsewhere.”
Dalrymple added: “I'd like to thank Middlesex and Angus Fraser for the opportunity to return to play this season after the difficulties I had last winter.
"Furthermore, I'd like to say how much I enjoyed playing and working with the squad, both young and old, and particularly contributing to a Middlesex team that gained promotion from Division Two as champions.
“Cricket has been my passion for many years now and my experiences so far have shown me how much I relish the challenges of leadership and management.
“Unfortunately that opportunity is unavailable at this time. I now have a chance to consider whether I want to keep playing, to look for a leadership role within the game or to move on to something completely different.”
While Dalrymple will leave Lord’s, 25-year-old off-spinner Rayner has agreed a three-year deal after impressing in two loan spells.
Ollie Rayner, who enjoyed two loan spells at Middlesex, has made his move from Sussex permanent by agreeing a three-year deal
Fraser said: “Ollie is an exciting and talented young cricketer who contributes with bat, ball and in the field. He made an extremely positive impression during the loan periods he spent with us and we are delighted to have him on board.”
Rayner expressed his delight at the move, adding: “Middlesex offered me a great opportunity and I like the dynamics of the club and feel there is a place there for me to fill and grow in to.”
Middlesex have also handed contracts to youngsters Adam London and Gurjit Sandhu.
London, a middle-order batsman who turns 23 tomorrow, has penned a new one-year deal and 19-year-old left-arm seamer Sandhu has committed his future to the club until 2013 after impressing for the second XI.
