Northants release Afzaal
Northants batsman Usman Afzaal has left the county by mutual consent © Getty Images
Chief executive Mark Tagg has confirmed that Northamptonshire have released Usman Afzaal by mutual consent.
The 30-year-old left-handed batsman, who made three Test appearances for England against Australia in 2001, moved to Wantage Road from Nottinghamshire in 2004.
“Usman Afzaal has been missing from recent team sheets,” Tagg said in a club statement.
“The club have had lengthy talks over the way forward and Usman's request to be released from his contract has been accepted by the club.
“Northants and Usman have parted company amicably and we wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his services over the past four seasons.”
The county also confirmed that former England spinner Richard Dawson has not been offered a contract for next season.
The 27-year-old, who joined on a one-year deal after leaving Yorkshire, has struggled with form and injury for most of the season.
Off-spinner Richard Dawson will leave Northants after struggling with injury and form
Tagg also said that fast-bowling trio David Wigley, Richard Logan and David Lucas have been given one-year extensions to their current contracts which were due to expire at the end of this season.
He said: “Fast bowlers often mature in their late twenties and it is with great reluctance that any county will release seam bowlers without giving them every opportunity to learn their trade.
"With this thought in mind and the recognition that wicket-taking potential is a key factor in achieving success, particularly in championship cricket, the club has decided to invest in our back up seam department.
"One half of next year's opening bowling attack has already been secured with Johan van der Wath, and David Capel is working hard to strengthen the squad by securing the signature of a top quality partner for Johan.
"Spinner Alex Wakely has also been offered a one-year extension on the back of promising performances with runs scored for the first team recently against Notts and Leicester.”
All-rounder Lance Klusener has agreed to return to Wantage Road for a third season; Riki Wessels and Steven Crook have signed for two seasons; Mark Nelson one further season; and two-year deals have been offered to ex-Academy player Graeme White and Ireland wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien.
Patrick Foster and Paul Coverdale miss out on contracts but Richard Browning and Ben Howgego have been offered summer contracts while they continue their studies at Leeds and Exeter Universities respectively.
