Fulton heads for Kent exit

David Fulton has scored more than 12,000 runs for Kent

Veteran opening batsman David Fulton is one of five players to be released by Kent at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old departs Canterbury - his home of 15 seasons - along with Simon Cusden, Matt Dennington, Niall O’Brien and David Stiff.

Fulton, who stepped down as captain at the end of last summer, bids farewell to his boyhood county after enjoying a benefit year.

He marked his last appearance, the current Liverpool Victoria County Championship game against Middlesex at Canterbury, with a magnificent 155, taking him past 12,000 first-class runs for Kent at an average of 36.

Fulton enjoyed a prolific season in 2001, scoring 1,892 runs at 75 to lift him to the fringes of the England team.

However, he failed to recapture that form after losing part of his sight after being hit by a ball in the nets before the 2004 season.

Graham Johnson, Kent’s chairman of cricket, said: “We have also reviewed our playing staff for next season and can confirm that we will not be offering David Fulton a contract.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks to David for his immense contribution to Kent cricket and wish him well in his future career.”

Fulton said: “It is with great sadness but with no bitterness that I leave the club I have played for for 15 years and have supported since I was a boy.

“I have made many friends and enjoyed some great times. I will continue to support the club in any way I can.

“I wish Rob Key and the boys every success in 2007 and beyond.”

Johnson added: “We will not be offering contracts to Simon Cusden, Matt Dennington, Niall O’Brien and David Stiff.

“We are, however, close to concluding contracts with Matt Walker and Rob Ferley and are in discussion with Martin Saggers regarding his future with the club.”