Charlie van der Gucht leaves Hampshire

Charlie van der Gucht Photo Mike Atkelsky

Charlie van der Gucht, the Hampshire left-arm spinner, has decided to leave the County at the age of 23 to pursue a career outside cricket.

The move follows his courageous fight to recover from a serious road accident two years ago in which he broke both legs.

van der Gucht was a member of Hampshire's Championship winning Under-19 squad five years ago and he took 3-75 against Zimbabwe at The Rose Bowl in 2000 in his only senior appearance for the county.

This season he has been captaining Hampshire's 2nd XI.

"It is now almost exactly two years since my accident and I have been unable to return to the sort of form I achieved previously," says the player. "For this reason I intend to use my 2.1 degree from Durham University to follow a different career path."

"I would like to thank Hampshire for their unwavering support and commitment to my rehabilitation and wish the club every success."

Tony Middleton, the Hampshire 2nd XI Coach, adds: "Charlie's captaincy has been a major contribution to the success of the 2nd XI this season, his commitment and attitude has been a great example to the younger players.

"I wish him all the best for the future and would not be surprised if we see him back playing over the next few years."