Northamptonshire have announced that veteran all-rounder James Middlebrook will not be offered a contract for the 2015 season, despite him being their leading LV= County Championship scorer this year with 777 runs before this week’s last game with Sussex.
The 37-year-old, who also has their third-most championship wickets (28) with his off-spin during a campaign ending in relegation, joined Northants in 2010.
Last season he helped them to a surprise triumph in the Friends Life t20 and to championship promotion. This term he led Northants in three championship games when regular captain Stephen Peters was absent.
Head coach David Ripley said: “These are always difficult decisions to make regarding players' futures.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to James for the contribution he has made throughout his time at Wantage Road and, in particular, for the leadership role he has taken during what has been a particularly difficult season in 2014. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.”
Middlebrook said: “I would like to thank the Northants members who have made me feel most welcome during my time here and all the team-mates with whom I have shared a dressing room.
“I wish them every good fortune as I now focus on the next stage of my career.”
Middlebrook follows Andrew Hall, Matt Spriegel and David Sales out of Northants, who are rebuilding after a disappointing season.