Mervyn Westfield released by Essex

Mervyn Westfield, the Essex pace bowler who was questioned by police over spot-fixing allegations along with Danish Kaneria, has been released by the county.

Westfield, 22, made his debut in 2005 but has played just seven first-class games and taken 11 wickets alongside eight one-day appearances.

"It is a huge disappointment that it has come to this; for the past few years we had high hopes for Merv to become a big name in cricket," said Paul Grayson, the Essex head coach. "He has received a lot of guidance from our players and coaches and he has not progressed as we would have hoped. Mervyn is keen to stay in the game and we wish him every success in finding another county to play for."

John Maunders, the left handed batsman, has also been let go after failing to secure a regular first-team place and is unlikely to gain another county.

"It has come to that time of year once again, it is always a tough time of year," Grayson said. "John has nearly reached the age of 30, he has unfortunately been injury prone this season and has been limited to a few County Championship appearances.

"He needed to be scoring runs, and that has not been the case so it is time for us both to move on. John is currently looking at other avenues of employment."