Hutton rejects new deal as Northants announce trio of departures

Brett Hutton, Blessing Muzarabani and Tom Sole are all exiting the County Ground.

Having joined the County on a three-year contract in 2018, Hutton went on to claim 98 wickets and score more than 500 runs in all formats.

The all-rounder chose not to accept a contract extension that was offered earlier in the season.

Muzarabani’s time at Northants has come to a premature end after changes to regulations meant the Zimbabwean was no longer eligible to play for the club for the final year of his contract.

The quick has now returned to Zimbabwe where he is set to link up with the national side again.

“Blessing has been a victim of the rule changes on Kolpak players.” Northants head coach David Ripley said.

“It didn’t quite work out as we planned but he is young and will get other opportunities.

"I feel he will be a better cricketer for his two years with us.”

Edinburgh-born Sole originally joined the Northants Academy in 2016 before signing a professional contract in 2018.

The all-rounder went on to represent the Steelbacks in List A and T20 cricket while also making his international debut for Scotland in that time.

“It’s been a tough 12 months for Tom and we are fully committed to working with Cricket Scotland to get him cleared to bowl again.” Ripley said.

"I still feel he is good enough to make it in the County game but we have several spin bowling all-rounders vying for the same spot.”

Batsman Rob Newton also leaves Northants after his contract was not renewed earlier in the year.

The club statement added: "Everyone at Northamptonshire would like to thank Brett, Blessing, Rob and Tom for their efforts and commitment to the club and wish them all the best for the future."