Wicketkeeper Wood leaves Yorkshire

Greg Wood captained England U19s in the 2007 triangular series in Malaysia

Greg Wood, the former England Under-19 wicketkeeper, has left Yorkshire in search of first-team cricket.

Wood, 20, from Dewsbury, has played just a single first-team match for Yorkshire, a 50-over game against Sri Lanka A at Headingley Carnegie in 2007.

Wood said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Headingley Carnegie and would like to thank the coaches and playing staff for their support during my development.

“I have represented both my county and country at Under-19 level and feel that the time is now right for me to be playing at the highest level.

“Unfortunately, I have found myself in a position where I am behind other players in the pecking order for first and second team places at Yorkshire and I have therefore made the decision to leave.”

The former Northamptonshire wicketkeeper Gerard Brophy, and the 30-year-old Simon Guy, are both ahead of Wood in the pecking order.

Wood captained the U19s on the tour to Malaysia in 2007, and also skippered the Yorkshire Academy in the same year. He made an unbeaten 210 against Sheffield Collegiate in that season.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said: “Greg is undoubtedly a talented young cricketer who needs to be playing regular cricket which we cannot offer him at the moment due to the strong performance of his peer group.

“We do feel that an opportunity will come his way soon and have agreed to try and help him find another club. We wish him well in the future and thank him for all of his efforts whilst at Yorkshire.”