Lancashire release Schofield

Chris Schofield

Former England leg-spinner Chris Schofield and reserve wicket-keeper Jamie Haynes have been released by Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Current Captain Warren Hegg has signed a new deal at Old Trafford while four new players are joining the staff: Steven Croft, Andrew Crook, Gareth Cross and Simon Marshall.

Cricket manager Mike Watkinson said of Schofield: "Chris is an extremely talented cricketer who has perhaps not reached his full potential at the club.

"We feel it is an appropriate stage in his career for him to seek pastures new and play more regular first team cricket.

"This will in turn create chances for emerging spin bowling all-rounders within the club."

Schofield was handed an ECB central contract in 2000 but has struggled in recent seasons and played just three matches in the 2004 championship, with a highest score of 99, and missed the end of the season with a fractured toe.