Andrew Hall released by Titans

Andrew Hall's contract has not been renewed by the Titans Cricket Franchise, meaning that he is now a free agent in South African cricket.

Hall, 28, has played 10 Tests and 43 one-day internationals since 1998-99, and was one of South Africa's stars on their tour to England last year, when he took 16 wickets with his medium-paced bowling and contributed a Test-best 99 not out to their victory at Headingley. He is currently plying his trade with Worcestershire, the county that has become his second home.

"It is most unfortunate that we have not been able to agree terms with Andrew Hall and his agent," said Brandon Foot, the chairman of the Titans' board of directors. "We have been in protracted, but inconclusive, negotiations for a sustained period of time.

Hall is perhaps the only cricketer to have been shot at point-blank range during a mugging, and lived to tell the tale. "Andrew is a wonderfully courageous cricketer who performed admirably for the Titans during the recent Pro-20 Series," added Foot. "We wish him everything of the best in his future endeavours."