Spearman to leave Gloucestershire

Spearman played 19 Tests and 51 one-day internationals for New Zealand

Craig Spearman is set to leave Gloucestershire by mutual consent a year ahead of his contract expiring.

The New Zealand-born batsman, 37, did not play in the first team in the last two months of the season.

"I have had an immensely enjoyable eight years and I would like to thank my colleagues for their wonderful support over the years," said Spearman.

The decision comes just two days after chairman John Light said he was worried about Spearman's loss of form.

"Craig averaged 17 in the Championship last season and this season he averaged 22. That's not the form you expect," Light told BBC Gloucestershire.

Capturing a number of record-breaking performances will place him high in the status of great Gloucestershire batsmen

Director of cricket John Bracewell

"If you look at where he is scoring the runs he does score, it's by deflections and reverse sweeps.

"His service to Gloucestershire has been wonderful but he hasn't made runs in the seconds and it's worrying to see him so far from the Craig we know."

New Zealander Spearman gave up international cricket in 2001, and was one of the major successes at Gloucestershire during John Bracewell's first spell in charge as coach.

In 2004, he scored 341 against Middlesex in the County Championship, eclipsing a WG Grace's 128-year-old record for the highest score by a Gloucestershire player.

John Bracewell, director of cricket, said: "Craig has been an outstanding servant over a number of years for us.

"Capturing a number of record-breaking performances which will place him high in the status of great Gloucestershire batsmen."