NEW Brighton Cricket Club has announced that spin bowling legend Ashraf Nawab is to leave Rake Lane after 15 years on the Wirral.

Long regarded as one of the most skilful bowlers in the history of the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition, the slow left armer is one of a select few to take over 1,000 wickets in the competition.

In May 2020, he was named in the Liverpool Competition 21st Century Best XI.

A spokesperson for the club said: "We are sad to announce that Ashraf Nawab will be leaving NBCC for the forthcoming season. 

"Ashraf joined NBCC in 2007 after a spell at Huyton CC and proceeded to take an astonishing 1,004 wickets over a 14 year period, including 59 five wicket hauls, at an average of 14.57 and a strike rate of 27.22.

"In addition, Ashraf will be remembered for his stunning slip catches, with over 130 catches and being incredibly entertaining and skilful with the bat, scoring over 2000 runs.

"We are all grateful and privileged to have been able to watch Ashraf play at Rake Lane for so many years. He is undoubtably a NBCC legend and we thank him for his loyalty. 

"Those who were also lucky enough to share a dressing room with him will also testify what a great character and person he was to play with. We will all miss Ashraf but wish him all the best in his future endeavours."