Northants release Crook

Andrew Crook averaged 38 with the bat last season

Northamptonshire have released Andrew Crook from his contract with immediate effect.

The former Lancashire off-spinning all-rounder was halfway through his second season at Wantage Road but Northants have decided that the 27-year-old’s services are no longer required.

First-team coach David Capel said: “We have taken this decision with the player’s future in mind.

"It was unlikely a permanent position would become available for Andrew in our first team, and with that in mind, we have released him from his contract so he can pursue his career outside of the game and we wish him well.”

Crook added: “I am disappointed that things at Northants have not worked out as well as I would have liked, however I have enjoyed my time playing at the club and would like to thank my team-mates and the coaching staff for their support.

“This now gives me the opportunity to pursue a career in the commercial world of sport which I have been working towards for the best part of a year in the Northants commercial department.”

Crook opened the batting in four LV County Championship matches at the end of the 2007 season, averaging over 38 with a top score of 72 in what was his best stint in first-class cricket. However he will be best known for scoring Lancashire’s one-day batting record of 162 not out against Buckinghamshire in the 2005 C&G competition.

He now takes up a full-time role in Northants' commercial department.