Durston cut by Somerset

Wes Durston made a half-century in his only championship innings of 2009, though it could not save his contract

Somerset all-rounder Wes Durston has been released after eight years at the club.

Durston, a middle-order batsman and off-spinner, spent much of the season in the second XI, and was freed up to play Minor Counties cricket for Wiltshire and club cricket for Glastonbury.

However, he made an unbeaten 54 in his only LV= County Championship outing of the season, against Nottinghamshire, and gave a good account of himself in the Champions League Twenty20 for the Sabres when called upon to replace Marcus Trescothick.

Durston made 57 from 32 balls against the Eagles in Hyderabad, it was not enough to save the 29-year-old’s contract.

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose said: “Sadly Somerset are not able to offer Wes Durston a new contract for 2010.

“At the end of the day, the strength of the first team over the last three years has given him very limited opportunities.

“It was felt that by both the captain and the coaching staff that his future opportunities, because of the strength in depth that we now have at the club would also be rather limited, so on that basis he has not been offered a new contract.

“Somerset would like to thank Wes for all that he has done for the club over the years and wish him well for the future.”