Sutton ends Lancashire career

Luke Sutton has announced he is leaving Lancashire after five years with the club. The Championship game against Nottinghamshire, at Trent Bridge, was his final appearance with the gloves now being handed to Gareth Cross who is likely to become the No. 1 wicketkeeper at Old Trafford.

Sutton, 33, joined Lancashire from Derbyshire in 2006 as a replacement for the retired Warren Hegg and became a key part of the team. However, in recent seasons he has lost his one-day place to Cross and decided two weeks ago that it was time to move on but he hopes to continue his career with a new county.

"It's the right decision for me, and it's the right decision to move on," Sutton told the Manchester Evening News. "I said when I arrived that it's something that can never be taken away from you, playing for Lancashire and that still holds true today."

During his first-class career with Lancashire, Sutton averaged 33.11 and claimed 227 catches alongside 15 stumpings but earlier in the season said he didn't feel he'd always had the praise for his efforts.

"Luke was in the final year of his contract and has decided to move on to pastures new," Mike Watkinson, the director of cricket, said. "He has given tremendous service to the club, doing an excellent job both on and off the field. He is a massive character in the dressing room and his professionalism is a great example for those around him. He leaves Lancashire with our best wishes for his next challenge."