Cork to seek alternative county contract

FORMER England all-rounder Dominic Cork is leaving Derbyshire by mutual consent to seek an alternative county contract next season.

"The time is right for me for a new challenge, but I wish everyone at Derby all the very best for the future," Cork said.

Cork, 32, signed a one-year extension in June but had requested that his contract be terminated immediately so he could get a fresh start with a new county. He was replaced as captain by Australian batsman Michael Di Venuto.

Derbyshire chairman Trevor Bowring said of Cork: "While in many ways this is a very sad day for the club, we believe that this marks the beginning of a new era — an era of development both on and off the field to which we are all looking forward."

Cork made his England Test debut against West Indies at Lord's in 1995 and his last Test appearance came against India at The Oval last year. His Derbyshire career ended on a low point with the county propping up the Division II table.