Shock as Gough quits Yorkshire

Darren Gough today severed his links with his home county Yorkshire after 15 years of service, citing family reasons for his request to leave.

England bowler Gough requested to be released from his contract a year early due to the fact that he is based in the south and wanted to spend more time with his young family.

The 33-year-old, who retired from Test cricket last summer, is now free to talk to other counties.

Gough said: "I wish to confirm that, for family reasons, I have today agreed with Yorkshire that after 15 very happy years I will leave the club.

"I am incredibly grateful for the support the club and fans have shown me through my Yorkshire and England career.

"Having joined Yorkshire on a YTS when I was 18, it has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and I was guided ultimately by the fact that I need to spend less time commuting and more time with my children.

"My definite aim is to continue playing first-class cricket and hopefully regain my one-day international place."

Gough is expected to make a further statement on his future, relating to where he may move next, in the coming weeks.