Batsman Newton looks to a positive future as he is released by Northants

Rob Newton may have been released by Northants after 15 years at the County Ground, but the batsman believes this is far from where his cricketing story ends.
Rob NewtonRob Newton
Rob Newton

The club announced on Monday that they would not be offering the 30-year-old a new deal when his current contract expires at the end of the 2020 campaign, if it ever gets started of course.

With the coronavirus pandemic ensuring there is going to be no cricket played in England until at least August 1, the early announcement of Newton's departure at least offers the player greater opportunity to fix himself up with a new county for 2021 and beyond.

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And that is exactly what the Taunton-born player intends to do.

Rob NewtonRob Newton
Rob Newton

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northants and have made some lifelong friends at the club,” said Newton, who first signed Academy forms at the County Ground back in 2005.

“Scoring 15 first-class hundreds is something I take great pride in, but I also feel I have the capacity to double that number.

"With that in mind I am excited by the opportunity to pursue my career elsewhere.

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“I wish the team plenty of success, and finally I would like to thank the loyal supporters who have travelled home and away to support their county.”

Rob Newton will leave Northants at the end of the summerRob Newton will leave Northants at the end of the summer
Rob Newton will leave Northants at the end of the summer

As well as his 15 first-class centuries for Northants, Newton also added another in List A cricket.

Head coach David Ripley has been a long-time coach and admirer of Newton, but the player has been hit with a string of frustrating injuries that have kept him sidelined for long spells in recent seasons.

“Joining the Academy at a young age and going on to score 16 centuries for the club is something Rob can be really proud of, it’s a fantastic achievement," said Ripley.

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"He’s had a great conversion rate (Newton passed 50 for Northants on 39 occasions) and many of those were in tough conditions against the new ball so they were hard-earned runs he was scoring.

“He's been particularly unlucky though with some freakish injuries, without those he would have added many more to that total I’m sure."

Newton will remain available for selection for the County until the end of the 2020 season.