Cook leaves Wantage Road

Northamptonshire announced today that they are parting company with Jeff Cook, their Australian-born left-hand batsman.

Cook, 33, first played for Northants in 2000, after living in Britain for seven years. In all first-class matches he scored 2378 runs at an average of 29.35, with three centuries, the highest 137 against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham in 2000.

Mark Tagg, Northamptonshire's chief executive, said: "Jeff joined Northants in 1999, but understands that the club is seeking to develop and give opportunities to its younger players and has therefore decided to pursue other cricketing opportunities in his native Australia. We are excited about the forthcoming season with a young, well-balanced team who are enthusiastic and realistic about the challenges that lie ahead, and wish Jeff all the best for his future career."