Alfonso Thomas will leave Somerset at the end of the campaign
Tuesday 22 September 2015 08:46, UK
Veteran seamer Alfonso Thomas is to leave Somerset at the end of the season after a long and distinguished career with the county.
The 38-year-old joined Somerset ahead of the 2008 season and has taken over 550 wickets for them across the various formats.
He was named the county's 'player of the year' in 2010, when he took over 100 wickets, and in 2014.
And he has captained the side successfully on occasions when Marcus Trescothick has been absent, leading Somerset to the semi-finals of the Champions League T20 in 2011.
Last year, in a match against Sussex, he became the first Somerset player to take four wickets in four balls.
Thomas said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at Somerset and extend huge thanks to Brian Rose, who believed in me some years ago and asked me to join the club.
"I wish my teammates and club all the best for the future.
"It's been great fun but, like all good things, they eventually come to an end. I am intending to remain in cricket, either continuing to play or by making the transition into coaching.
"It was a great privilege to be asked by Gary Kirsten to work with his bowlers during the IPL in India this year and one I really enjoyed.
"I plan to take a few weeks over the off-season to consider several alternative options, before deciding exactly which path to take. I hope that at some point in the future I will get the opportunity to be involved in the club in some capacity.
"I've had fantastic support from the supporters over the years and would like them to know that it has always been greatly appreciated."
Thomas is renowned for his skills as a limited-overs bowler and his services have been in great demand in T20 cricket, a format in which he has won trophies across the globe.
Somerset Director of Cricket Matt Maynard said: "Alfonso has proved himself to be one of the best bowlers in one-day cricket, particularly in high pressure situations, where he has proved himself to be world-class time and time again.
"Alfonso's contribution to Somerset has been immense over many years and I am sure I can speak for all Somerset supporters in extending their thanks and best wishes to Alfonso and his family for the future."
