Dalrymple parts ways with Middlesex

Jamie Dalrymple's return to Middlesex has proved short-lived as he and the county have chosen to part ways. Dalrymple had re-signed for Middlesex in May this year and made a steady contribution to their success in Division Two of the County Championship with both bat and ball, but became frustrated by the lack of leadership opportunities with the county and has decided to move on.

"I have seen very few cricketers more committed or harder working than Jamie and during his time with Middlesex he set the right example to the rest of the squad," said Managing Director of Cricket, Angus Fraser. "His leadership experience was valuable too, helping to get a young side over the line when things got a little tight at the end of the season.

"However, his passion lies in leadership and man management roles and these are not positions that are currently available at Middlesex. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jamie for all his input into Middlesex over the course of ten seasons in total and to wish him well for the future whether that is in the game or elsewhere."

Dalrymple's return to Middlesex had been prompted by his departure from Glamorgan, to whom he had gone after turning down a new contract with Middlesex in late 2007. He was appointed as Glamorgan's captain for the 2009 season, but after two seasons became a high-profile casualty of a tumultous shake-up at the county. Stripped of the captaincy - with the position going to South African Alviro Petersen - Dalrymple promptly left and returned to Lord's.

"I'd like to thank Middlesex and Angus Fraser for the opportunity to return to play this season after the difficulties I had last winter," said Dalrymple. "Furthermore, I'd like to say how much I enjoyed playing and working with the squad, both young and old, and particularly contributing to a Middlesex team that gained promotion from Division Two as champions.

"Cricket has been my passion for many years now and my experiences so far have shown me how much I relish the challenges of leadership and management. Unfortunately that opportunity is unavailable at this time. I now have a chance to consider whether I want to keep playing, to look for a leadership role within the game or to move on to something completely different."

While Middlesex may miss Dalrymple's steadying influence in the middle order, his offspinning role could be filled by allrounder Ollie Rayner, who has joined Middlesex in a permanent deal following his two loan spells at Lord's during the summer.

The 25 year-old, who signed for Sussex in late 2005, went on to play 43 first-class matches in all for Sussex in his six seasons at Hove, taking 95 wickets and scoring over 1000 runs in the process.

"We are all sorry to see Ollie leave as he has been a part of the club since an early age, but we recognise his desire to play more cricket in all forms of the game," said Sussex's Professional Cricket Manager Mark Robinson. "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work during his time at the club and we wish him all the best at Middlesex".