Wood axed by the Tykes

Yorkshire have released established opening batsman Matthew Wood.

Yorkshire have released opening batsman Matthew Wood.

Wood, who made his first-team debut in 1997, has not made it into the club's Championship side this season.

The 30-year-old Wood came up through the Yorkshire youth system and throughout his time at the club has scored 6,179 runs in 129 matches, including 16 centuries.

Chief executive of Yorkshire Stewart Regan has commended Wood's performance and commitment to the side. He said: "Matthew has given outstanding service to Yorkshire and has been thoroughly professional in his approach to the game.

"We greatly appreciate his efforts for the club over the past decade and wish him every success in the future."

Yorkshire have also awarded seamer Matthew Hoggard a benefit in 2008. Hoggard, who has been playing for the club since 1996, will make contributions to the Chance to Shine Appeal which aims to promote cricket within state schools.

Hoggard said: "Playing for Yorkshire throughout me career has been a tremendous honour. I have been extremely lucky to play alongside some tremendous players at county and international level.

"Nothing beats wearing the White Rose of Yorkshire and it is a real honour to have been granted a benefit by the club."

Regan added: "Matthew has shown tremendous loyalty and service to both England and the Yorkshire County Cricket Club over the past decade and we all wish him a very successful benefit season in 2008.

"He has played in an era where central contracts have restricted England players to fewer county opportunities, but Hoggy has always been eager to represent the county of his birth and there is no prouder Yorkshire man."