Batsman Rob Newton to leave Northants at the end of the summer

Batsman Rob Newton will leave Northants at the end of the 2020 cricket season.
Batsman Rob Newton is to leave Northants at the end of the summerBatsman Rob Newton is to leave Northants at the end of the summer
Batsman Rob Newton is to leave Northants at the end of the summer

Head coach David Ripley says the County have chosen not to extend the contract of the 30-year-old, who has been with the club since joining the Academy in 2005 as a 14-year-old.

Newton made his first-class debut for Northants in 2010, before going on to make 164 appearances for the club across all forms of cricket.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 cricket season has yet to even start, and there is no guarantee it will do, and Ripley says the unusual timing of the decision is intended to give Newton the chance to explore options with other clubs for next summer and beyond.

“Ultimately we’re trying to work in Rob’s best interests with what has been a really difficult decision, which is why we’ve decided to make this call earlier than perhaps you would normally," said Ripley.

"Rob’s a fantastic cricketer and we wanted to make sure we left the door open for him to be able to continue his career elsewhere if he chose to.

Newton has scored 5,675 runs at an average of 35.69 in 98 first-class appearances for Northants, hitting 15 centuries and 24 half-centuries.

He scored his maiden first-class century against Leicestershire at the end of his debut campaign, and his highest first-class score of 202 not out came against the same opposition in 2016.

In 50-over cricket, Newton scored 1,148 runs in 45 matches at an average of 29.43, hitting one century and six 50s, while he also played 21 T20 matches for the Steelbacks, with a top score in that format of 38.

“I'd like to thank Rob for the excellent service he has given the club," said Ripley.

"On a personal note he has been a great support to me in all my roles with the Academy, second team and first team.

"I wish him well in the next stage of his career and will definitely be keeping an eye on his progress, wherever he goes.”

Newton will remain a Northants player until the end of the 2020 season, and will be available for selection once the campaign gets underway.