DURHAM have announced that Chris Rushworth has made a shock exit from the club because of ‘personal circumstances’.

Rushworth, who has spent the last 12 years playing with Durham, has been given permission to move on, with the club stating that they ‘fully understand his decision’ and ‘support the reasons behind his fresh start outside of the county’.

Sunderland-born Rushworth made history last year when he took his 528th wicket to become Durham’s all-time leading wicket taker in first-class cricket, moving ahead of Graham Onions into top spot.

Now 36, the seamer played his part in Durham’s 2013 County Championship winning season, taking 54 wickets, and enjoyed cup success in 2014, helping Durham lift the Royal London Cup.

On top of his stellar first-class record, the Wearsider has 140 List A wickets and 78 T20 wickets, and helped Durham reach T20 finals day in 2016 and the 2021 Royal London Cup final.

“My decision to leave Durham was far from easy, made after lengthy consideration,” said Rushworth. “But I have to state that this decision has been made for personal reasons alone and not cricketing reasons. For that reason, I give a heartfelt thank you to Tim (Bostock), Marcus (North) and the club for allowing me to leave.

“Durham is, and has always been my club, and that will continue to be the case in the future. I’ve been incredibly lucky and I’m very proud to have been able to represent the club for so long, and the memories I’ve made playing for Durham will last forever.

“I want to thank everyone involved in my journey, from coaches, captains, players, support staff and most importantly to the supporters and members. I’d like to think I gave my all whenever I took to the field for Durham and knowing I won’t wear the Four Lions on my chest again is very emotional. Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I want to wish everyone at Durham all the success in the world going forward.”

Chief Executive, Tim Bostock, said: “It’s a sad day when someone as prominent as Chris Rushworth moves on but we completely respect and understand his reasons for a fresh start.

“Chris has been a fantastic mentor to our young group of players and will remain in the history books forever. Chris will always be regarded as one of the greatest Durham players and we wish him every success for the future, he is welcome back here any time he wishes.”

Director of cricket, Marcus North, added: “I would like to congratulate Chris on what he has achieved here at Durham Cricket. Chris is a club legend, and his career is an example to all young cricketers of what you can achieve when you combine talent with hard work and perseverance.

“Whilst we are sad to see Chris leave, we understand his circumstances and I would like to thank Chris for his dedication and service to the club. He goes with our best wishes and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.”

Durham Cricket chairman, Sir Ian Botham, said: “Chris is one of the best seam bowlers to grace the game in this country and to have him playing at Durham, his home county, for all these years has been an absolute privilege.

“Both on and off the field he has shown an incredible amount of commitment to Durham and his work ethic for the county he loves can be seen by everyone.

“It will be strange not seeing Chris out there bowling with the new ball in hand, but on behalf of myself and everyone at Durham Cricket, I would like to wish him the very best in his new chapter.”