Crook leaves Northamptonshire

Steven Crook struggles to make his ground in the Steelbacks' Twenty20 Cup match against Warwickshire this season

Northamptonshire will release all-rounder Steven Crook and seamer Ryan Cummins at the end of the season, the club has announced.

Crook, 26, who was born in Australia, has been bedevilled by injuries since joining Northants from Lancashire in 2006.

A brilliant fielder, he took 5-71 in Northants’ championship win over Essex earlier this season, but side problems have since hindered his progress.

Cummins, 23, who joined from Leicestershire in the close-season, has also been troubled by back problems and played just a solitary first-team game, a Friends Provident Trophy match versus Derbyshire.

Crook said: “I would just like to thank (physiologist) Ross Dewar and (physiotherapist) Barry Goudriaan for all their efforts in trying to get me back on the field over the last four years, and to everyone at Northants.

“It is very disappointing that the injuries have got the best of me.”

Northants head coach David Capel said: “It’s a shame for these two smashing lads and for Northants that we haven’t seen the best of these two talented players.

“It is unfortunate, but I’d like to wish both Steven and Ryan all the very best in their future careers.”