Ormond heads Surrey departures

Jimmy Ormond, who played two Tests for England, is set to leave Surrey after taking 221 wickets in eight seasons

Surrey have announced that Jimmy Ormond, James Benning, Chris Murtagh and Murtaza Hussain will be released at the end of the season.

Former England seamer Ormond, who turns 32 next week, is the most high-profile of the quartet of players to be told they will not have their contracts renewed.

He played two Tests for England in 2001, but has not featured for Surrey in the LV= County Championship this season, and looks likely to end his eight-year spell at the Brit Oval with 221 first-class wickets at an average of 34.15.

Benning, who was made available for loan earlier this season, has also been given permission to speak to other counties after failing to hold down a regular first-team spot.

Former second XI captain Murtagh is also set to leave alongside off-spinner Murtaza, who took 37 first-class wickets at 39.78 apiece in two and a half years at the club.

Surrey’s managing director of cricket Gus Mackay said: “As we build for the long term future of Surrey Cricket, it has become clear that these four players will not figure in our plans for next season and we have acted now to give them the best possible chance of finding employment.

“I would like to pay tribute to them all for the contribution they have made to the club and wish them well for the future.”