Rankin leaves Derbyshire

Boyd Rankin played just three championship matches for Derbyshire this summer

Derbyshire have released seamer Boyd Rankin after he failed to accept a new contract.

The 6ft 7in pace bowler was offered an "extremely good" deal during the summer, his first with the county after starring for Ireland during the World Cup.

Although the 23-year-old suggested he wanted to stay at the County Ground, he failed to respond to a deadline set by Derbyshire, who have since confirmed his departure.

Rankin played just three games in the LV County Championship, taking 10 wickets at an average of 29, and a further three in the NatWest Pro40 during a summer disrupted by injury.

Derbyshire chief executive Tom Sears said: “The offer we made to Boyd was an extremely good one given the amount of cricket he has played.

“We wanted to back his potential and continue to develop his career under the guidance of (head of cricket) John Morris and (bowling coach) Mike Hendrick in particular, who has done so much for him since bringing him to Derbyshire.

“The offer was made a long time ago during the season and, despite telling us some weeks ago he was likely to stay, Boyd has not signed the new deal.

“We as a club have to plan for 2008 and we cannot wait for ever. We want players who are 100 per cent committed and 100 per cent certain that they want to play for Derbyshire.

"This is obviously not the case so the offer has been withdrawn.

“It is fair to say that late in the season Boyd engaged the services of an agent and this has certainly not helped. Time will tell if the advice he has been given is what is in his best long-term interests.”

Derbyshire hope to unveil two signings on Monday as Morris steps up his preparation for next season.

A further announcement on the capture of an overseas player to replace captain Simon Katich is expected later next week.