By JMB
October 31 2006

Michael Lumb has decided the fields of Hampshire are greener and confirmed he is leaving Yorkshire. Lumb has finally ended the protracted 'will he won't he' saga and confirmed he will be playing his cricket elsewhere from 2007. Lumb, the 26-year-old son of former county opener Richard, has been in discussions with Hampshire for a few weeks and has turned down an improved deal from Yorkshire. The South Africa-born star made his county debut in 2000 but a knee injury minimised his impact in the side's title-winning year. He averaged 41.86 in first class cricket in the 2006 season but is generally regarded not to have lived up to his considerable potential despite hitting a career-best 144 last summer.

Yorkshire's chief executive Stewart Regan said "We're resigned to losing Michael. It's disappointing but we've gone as far as we can with a counter-offer. He's keen to join Hampshire, we were keen to keep him but he was out of contract. Despite lengthy talks to persuade him his future was at Headingley Carnegie, we fully respect his decision to leave."

Lumb said "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Yorkshire but felt the opportunity to take on a fresh challenge, to reignite my desire to play at the highest level, was too much to turn down. I would like to thank everyone involved with Yorkshire for the help and support they have shown me over the years and sincerely wish the club well for the future."

Yorkshire fans have been expecting the news of Lumb's departure for some time with many feeling that the investment that the club has given him as a player should have earnt a little more loyalty in return. Lumb has flattered to deceive for a long time. There is no doubting his considerable quality as a player but it's a shame Yorkshire fans will not see Lumbs potential bear fruit.

Lumb's career has not advanced as much as he would have wished and he no doubt feels that a change of club will boost his chances of going on to play for England. Equally Hampshire may not accept failure as an option whereas he knew he could get away with some mediocrity at times with Yorkshire where the competition for places has not been as tough. The green pastures of Hampshire will see him sink or swim and this is may be the knew challenge Lumb speaks of. Lumb hit a century for Yorkshire at the Rose Bowl in July and his innings drew praise from Hampshire captain, Shane Warne.

The confirmation of Lumb's departure comes as a setback to Yorkshire, who are in talks with Anthony McGrath in a bid to prevent him leaving too. Last week they revealed they are close to completing the capture of Sussex Championship-winning captain Chris Adams, who is expected to sign a four-year deal soon.