Kent have sacked veteran wicket-keeper Paul Nixon after contract negotiations broke down.

Nixon was asked by Kent bosses, concerned by losses of �138,000 and �40,000 in the last two years, to take a cut in pay.

But Nixon, with 49 dismissals and 846 runs in the Championship this season, rejected the offer and requested improved terms.

However, Kent refused to budge and Nixon was given the bad news by captain Dave Fulton on the eve of the Championship clash with Yorkshire.

Nixon, who joined Kent from Leicestershire three years ago, was philosphical about his axing.

"I'm obviously disappointed we couldn't come to an agreement," Nixon, 32 next month, told the Kent Messenger.

"The club were keen I should take a decrease in wages, which I felt was harsh after a good year.

"Sadly they didn't come back with an offer, but if the club want to go that way and save money, then so be it.

"I wanted to stay at the club. I think we're just starting to click as a unit, and, with a little added strength, can be a consistent, winning side.

"But sadly I won't be part of that," Nixon, who was an England tourist to Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2001, commented.

Kent chief executive Paul Millman said: "Paul has made an enormous contribution to Kent and has been a model professional, setting the highest possible standards to others.

"Sadly, the economics of cricket and sport in general are not easy at present."

Geraint Jones, 26, will take over as Kent's first-choice 'keeper for the 2003 season.

Jones, raised in Australia and born in Papua New Guinea, has been the 2nd XI leading run-scorer for the past three seasons and impressed with the gloves in a the one-day friendly against India in June.