Banks suffers from downturn

Omari Banks played in Somerset's final game of the domestic season, in Division One of the NatWest Pro40 versus Durham

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Somerset have released former West Indies all-rounder Omari Banks after two years at Taunton.

The 27-year-old off-spinner struggled to live up to his billing this season during 20 first-team appearances, including six in the LV= County Championship where he managed only seven wickets.

His last game came with a sole Champions League Twenty20 cap, against New South Wales Blues.

Banks, who played 10 Tests and five ODIs for West Indies between May 2003 and August 2005, qualified as a Kolpak player due to his birth in the British protectorate island of Anguilla.

The son of legendary Anguillan reggae star Bankie Banx, Omari was suspended for three matches in July and Somerset fined £500 after he accepted deliberately changing the condition of the ball in a Second XI championship match against Essex.

Director of cricket Brian Rose said: “I have informed Omari that, regrettably, his contract hasn't been renewed.

“Really he has been outstanding in his personal application to his job over the two years. We haven't been able to fault his dedication. But he hasn't had the performances to justify another contract.”

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Michael Munday, who turned 25 today, has been awarded a one-year contract despite just one appearance this season.

"He is coming back next year," said Rose. "We know he has the ability but he just needs to find the consistency."