Rory Hamilton-Brown: Surrey release former captain

Former captain Rory Hamilton-Brown has been released by Surrey after the Oval outfit accepted his request to terminate his contract.

The 25-year-old batsman was granted permission to speak to other sides earlier this month.

Hamilton-Brown resigned the captaincy in August following a spell of compassionate leave after the death of team-mate Tom Maynard.

He had been captain of Surrey since he re-joined the club in December 2009.

Hamilton-Brown came through the youth ranks at Surrey but left to join Sussex in 2007.

Following his return to south London and his appointment as captain, he led the side to promotion to Division One of the County Championship and the CB40 trophy last season.

Surrey team director Chris Adams hailed Hamilton-Brown, who scored over 4,000 runs in all competitions during his three-year spell with the club, as a "talented cricketer".

"Achieving promotion and winning the CB40 trophy were both significant achievements and his weight of runs made a big contribution," Adams said.

"Whilst at the club, he has also moved a lot closer to fulfilling his ambitions of playing on the International stage.

"The club has agreed to his request to leave so he can look to make a fresh start elsewhere.

"On a personal level I would like to wish Rory the best for the future and hope he is able to realise his potential at the highest level."

Earlier this week Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose revealed an interest in signing Hamilton-Brown.