Durham have announced the shock departure of record first-class wicket-taker Chris Rushworth, who is relocating for personal reasons.
Rushworth, 36, has become one of the county’s best-loved players and looked certain to end his career as a one-club man.
He insisted his exit, 18 years after his List A debut, came with a heavy heart and was granted his release.
In 2021 he overtook former England international Graham Onions as Durham’s most prolific bowler by taking his 528th wicket in first-class cricket.
Rushworth claimed 54 wickets when Durham won the 2013 County Championship and he was also part of the squad that lifted the Royal London Cup in 2014.