David Alleyne, Nottinghamshire’s reserve wicketkeeper, has left the club by mutual consent after agreeing a release from his contract which was due to run until the end of 2008.

Alleyne hasn’t been able to secure any first-team openings with Chris Read commanding a regular spot now he has moved down England’s pecking order.

“With Chris not currently in England’s plans, we felt that it was unfair on David to be kicking his heels in the Second XI,“ said director of cricket Mick Newell. “We also have Bilal Shafayat available to offer us a younger option as back-up wicketkeeper and given the situation, we felt it was best to give David the chance to look for first team cricket.”

Newell made it clear that Alleyne left on good terms: “I do want to thank David for his work during his time with us. He never let us down when he played and proved an excellent and able deputy.”

Alleyne signed from Middlesex in 2004 and played 17 first-class matches for Nottinghamshire, averaging 30.47, while claiming 50 victims behind the stumps.