BBC SPORT | Cricket | Counties | Hampshire release Kenway

Derek Kenway has been released by Hampshire after the opening batsman handed in a written request to leave the club.

Kenway, who was a member of the ECB Academy last winter, was under contract until the end of the 2004 season.

But a poor season culminated in him losing his place in the first XI in July after making just 238 runs in 15 innings.

And occasional one-day wicket-keeping duties he had enjoyed in previous seasons fell away with the introduction of Nic Pothas.

The county are sorry to lose a player of Derek's potential, but we don't want to keep an unhappy player

Hampshire's Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett

Kenway is now seeking a new county in a bid to invigorate his career.

"The main reason I've decided to leave is because I haven't had the chance to keep wicket since I returned from the England Academy," Kenway told the Hampshire Daily Echo.

"I love Hampshire Cricket to death and it was not an easy decision."

Kenway, 24, said the Rose Bowl's wicket was another factor contributing to his decision.

"It's my home town club and I've got a lot of friends here but the wicket helped me make my mind up," he said.

"The Rose Bowl isn't the greatest place to bat at the moment and I don't know how long it will take to settle down.

Derek Kenway
Kenway shows his form at the Academy

"I don't want to regret anything at the end of my career so I've decided that now is the right time to move on.

I'm looking for a club that will give me one-day wicket-keeping duties as well as being a frontline batsman on a very good batting wicket.

"I'm not going to get that at Hampshire.

"Iain Brunnschweiler, Nic Pothas and Adie Aymes are all top quality wicketkeepers and I need a new challenge - a kick up the backside."

Kenway made his debut for Hampshire in 1997 but he came of age in 1999, the year he scored his maiden hundred and hit 1,000 first-class runs.

Kenway progressed further in 2001, following up a career-best 166 against Notts with 70 in the win against Australia - performances that helped him secure an Academy berth.

He returned to England determined to push for selection as England's one-day 'keeper-batsman, but six months on his focus is on finding another county.


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