ASHLEY METCALFE DROPPED OVER CONTRACT ROW

Ashley Metcalfe, the Yorkshire batsman, has been dropped for the county's final Championship match of the season after refusing the terms of a new two-year contract. He was expected to bat at No 6 against Essex at Chelmsford in the fixture starting tomorrow.

Nigel Briers is to step down as Leicestershire captain at the end of the season. The 40-year-old has been skipper at Grace Road for the last six years.

Wayne Dessaur, the former Nottinghamshire batsman, who hit a century on his debut for the county, has been released by Derby along with four other players - Andy Bairstow, Seamer Alan Richardson, left-arm spinner Matthew Taylor and all-rounder Tom Harrison are also surplus to requirements. Andy Cottam has asked to be released after being advised to give up first- class cricket because of a knee injury.