Usman Afzaal leaves Northamptonshire

Usman Afzaal, the former England Test player, has left Northamptonshire by mutual consent. The club said that they and Afzaal, who last played a Championship match in July, reached the agreement after they could not agree on the way forward.

A statement from the chief executive Mark Tagg said: "Usman and 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."

Last year he topped 1000 first-class runs for Northants, and the same the year before. This season he has contributed 570 runs at 35.62 in eight Championship matches.

Richard Dawson, who has struggled with form and injury for most of the season, and Durham University student Patrick Foster have been released. Richard Browning and Ben Howgego, both students, have been offered summer contracts to tie in with their studies.