Hassan Azad: Northamptonshire release former Leicestershire opener

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Hassan Azad scored 32 in his final game for Northants, last month's innings win over Essex

Northamptonshire have released opener Hassan Azad and wicketkeeper Harry Gouldstone following last month's end of the county season.

Azad left Leicestershire last year and was initially signed by Northants as cover for the injured Emilio Gay.

The 29-year-old scored 290 runs in nine Championship games, with one half-century, and did not play any white-ball cricket.

Gouldstone, 22, has played seven first-class matches, but only one in 2023.

His sole first-team appearance this year came against Nottinghamshire at Wantage Road in May, when the visitors won by an innings and 25 runs.