Northants release opening batsman Mal Loye

Loye made 87, his highest first-class score this season, against Middlesex at Lord's in August

Northants have released former Lancashire and England one-day batsman Mal Loye.

The 38-year-old, who played seven ODIs, was in his second spell at Wantage Road, making eight County Championship and five CB40 appearances this season.

Head coach David Capel said: "I would like to pay tribute to Mal for his contribution and service to Northants Cricket and to the English game.

"He has helped many young players by passing on valuable experience."

Capel added: "He has always been a person that is admired and a favourite to watch bat.

"We would like to wish Mal all the very best in his future endeavours both in and outside of cricket."

The Northampton-born batsman made his Northants debut in 1991, and he gained international recognition in 2007 at the age of 34, playing all seven of his one-day internationals during England's tour of Australia.

Loye, who spent seven seasons with Lancashire between 2003 and 2009 before rejoining Northants in time for the summer of 2010, scored over 15,000 first-class and 8,900 one-day runs, hitting 52 centuries in county cricket.

His 322 not out against Glamorgan in 1998 is the third highest ever score by a Northants player.