County cricket: Leicestershire captain Josh Cobb switches to Northamptonshire

Captain Josh Cobb has become the latest player to leave Leicestershire after he signed a two-year contract with Northamptonshire.

Cobb's departure from Grace Road follows those of all-rounder Shiv Thakor and seamer Nathan Buck in recent weeks and like them, he turned down the offer of a new contract. 

Cobb has scored 3,133 first-class runs for Leicestershire at an average of 25.26. His finest performances for the county were in limited overs cricket, and he was man-of-the-match when Leicestershire won the T20 title in 2011.

Northants chief executive David Smith said: "Josh will bring a real cutting edge to our white-ball cricket, having already scored five hundreds in this format.

I feel it's now time to start a new chapter and challenge myself to improve in a new environment.

"He has also had a very good championship season this year and brings invaluable captaincy experience ... at 24 years of age, his best cricket is still ahead of him.

"He was the number one target of first-team coach David Ripley, and we are absolutely delighted he is joining the club."

Cobb added: "I feel it's now time to start a new chapter and challenge myself  to improve in a new environment.

"I want to wish Leicestershire all the best for the future. Grace Road will always be a special place for me.

"Northamptonshire have proven that they are a winning limited-overs team and have set clear targets to get back into (LV=) Division One next year.

"I want to be a part of this - and after talking to the management ... I'm convinced it's the right place for me to achieve my goals."

Thakor, Leicestershire’s up-and-coming all-rounder, is joining Derbyshire, and fast bowler Buck has signed for Lancashire.

They have become the latest in a long line of talented players to have left Leicestershire in recent years for more high-profile clubs, including Stuart Broad, James Taylor, James Allenby and Harry Gurney. 

Leicestershire confirmed Cobb's departure with "deep regret", chief executive Mike Siddall saying: “We would like to thank Josh for his great contribution over the years he has played for Leicestershire, both as a player and as captain. We wish Josh all the very best for the future and we will welcome him to Grace Road when he returns next season.‎”