HD Ackerman makes Grace Road exit

HD Ackerman has decided to end his county career with Leicestershire, making way for the club's younger players.

Ackerman, the 36-year-old South African, was left out of the current Championship side playing Gloucestershire, allowing Josh Cobb, 19, to take his place.

"He has been an outstanding batsman and role model to our younger players," David Smith, Leicestershire's chief executive told the Leicester Mercury. "He will leave a strong legacy when he returns to South Africa and we would like to take this opportunity to wish both HD and his wife Kerryn every success in the future."

Ackerman moved to Grace Road in 2005, and since then has been Leicestershire's leading batsman, accumulating over 5,000 first-class runs. His top score was 309 not out against Glamorgan in 2006.