Hampshire sign Michael Lumb

Michael Lumb, the left-handed middle-order batsman, has chosen not to renew his contract with Yorkshire and is to join Hampshire in 2007.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Yorkshire," Lumb said, "but felt the opportunity to take on a fresh challenge to reignite my desire to play at the highest level was too much to turn down. I would like to thank everyone involved with Yorkshire for the help and support they have shown me over the years and sincerely wish the club well for the future."

Lumb, 26, made his debut for Yorkshire in 2000 but has struggled with consistency and was dropped in 2005, although he did show renewed signs of his class with a career-best 144 in 2006.

"We are very disappointed to lose a player of Michael's undoubted ability and potential," Stewart Regan, Yorkshire's chief executive said. "Despite lengthy talks to persuade him his future was at Headingley, we fully respect his decision to leave."