Somerset release Sutton

Wicketkeeper Carl Gazzard has signed a new one-year contract with Somerset

Somerset have released 22-year-old medium-pacer Andy Sutton.

The Second XI bowler enjoyed a strong July, finishing with a match haul of 8-92 against Essex, and 6-96 against Glamorgan, but was unable to force himself into the first-team.

Sutton arrived at Taunton via Minor Counties cricket with Herefordshire, and a spell with MCC Young Cricketers.

“It’s been a great opportunity for me to have played at Somerset for the last 18 months,” Sutton said. “It’s disappointing to be leaving.

“I guess the highlights would have to be going out to India, where i had the chance to work with people like Dennis Lillee, and also the pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi.

“I have made some very good friends during my time down here, especially as this is the first club I’ve been with."

Brian Rose, director of cricket, said: “On behalf of everybody at the club I would like to thank Andy for all that he has done during the time that he has been at Somerset and wish him all the best for the future.”

Wicketkeeper Carl Gazzard has signed a one-year contract extension at Taunton.

With Craig Kieswetter entrusted with the gloves, Gazzard has been limited to just two first XI appearances, in the drawn LV County Championship match against Durham earlier this month, and the recent NatWest Pro40 win over Lancashire Lightning in which Gazzard scored 30 not out.