Dutch rejects Somerset contract

Keith Dutch: rejected contract © Getty Images

Keith Dutch has rejected the offer of a one-year contract with Somerset.

"I moved to Somerset from Middlesex in the hope of securing a permanent first team place in all forms of the game," he explained. "That's not happened and obviously no player can be guaranteed a place. At my age [27] I do not want to be playing 2nd XI cricket".

Commenting upon Dutch's decision, Peter Anderson, Somerset's chief executive, said, "The cricket panel is disappointed but fully understands the reasoning. Keith was a popular player with both his colleagues and the supporters. We thank him for his service and enthusiasm whilst representing the club".