Richard Clinton to leave Essex

Essex County Cricket Club has announced that it will not be renewing the contract of left-hand batsman Richard Clinton and that they have mutually agreed that it would be in the player's best interest for him to move on. 21-year-old Clinton joined Essex last season but has had only limited first-team opportunities due to unfortunate injuries.

Essex Chief Executive David East commented: "Richard is a highly promising player, but because of the depth of batting we have in Essex at the moment, he would probably not get sufficient chances to play first team cricket, which would be very disappointing for a player of his potential. Richard is very keen to continue his career elsewhere and we wish him well for the future."

Clinton commented: "I have enjoyed my time at Essex and am extremely disappointed that things have not worked out. I very much want to continue my first-class cricket career and will be looking for other openings in the near future."