Afzaal joins Trent Bridge exodus

Usman Afzaal has been released by Nottinghamshire at the end of a season in which he played only seven Championship matches. He had one year of his contract remaining.

Two years ago Afzaal was playing for England, and at the start of this season was quoted as saying that he was "awesome, dangerous and ready for an England recall". But his form dipped and in 13 Championship innings he scored 264 runs at 20.30 with only one fifty. He did, however, score 161 not out against India A, and had an extended run in the National League where he scored 338 runs at 28.16.

Afzaal's departure was widely predicted as part of a general clear-out by Nottinghamshire following their relegation from Division One. Guy Welton and Stephen Randall were released earlier in the month and seam bowler David Lucas was yesterday told that he could leave if he could find another county.

It is also expected that Kevin Pietersen will join the exodus. Although he has a year remaining on his contract - which Nottinghamshire have said they "expect him to fulfill" - he is thought to be wanted by Somerset and Northamptonshire and has made no secret of his desire to move on.