Fast bowler Billy Taylor is considering his future with Sussex after the county refused to improve his contract.

The 25-year-old says he is 'disillusioned' after failing to get an extension to his current deal, which runs out at the end of next season, even though he has enjoyed his most productive season in the game.

Taylor has taken 71 wickets in all cricket this summer and is Sussex's leading wicket-taker in limited overs matches.

He said: "What has happened has left me disillusioned to be honest and I will have to sit down and think seriously about my future over the next few weeks.

"I had two meetings with the club and the implication was that I might not play much Championship cricket next season if Paul Hutchison remains fit and Jason Lewry gets back to his best.

"That's their decision although I will be working hard to keep my place, but if the club turn round and release me at the end of next season my chances of finding another county are going to be reduced if I've only played second team cricket and one-day matches."

Taylor, who joined the county in 1999, has taken advantage of the absence at various times this season of Lewry, Hutchison and James Kirtley to take 31 Championship wickets including a career-best 5-90 in the current match against Warwickshire.

He has established himself in the one-day side, taking 40 wickets including two hat-tricks against Surrey and Leicestershire earlier in the season.

"I think the only way Sussex could show their faith and belief in me would be to offer me a better contract," added Taylor.

"I'm a big believer in the performance-related culture which we have at Sussex. I go out and try and perform to the best of my ability in every game and if you are performing on the pitch then what happens off it should take care of itself."

Chief Executive Nigel Russell says the club have to make sure the county's playing staff has the right balance.

"I'm not surprised Billy is disappointed. We hold him in high regard and believe he has an awful lot to offer.

"But if we keep signing seamers on long contracts it is going to leave the squad unbalanced which is something we have to guard against."

Meanwhile, Taylor is embarking on an unusual off season career after signing up for a tree surgery course.

"I did some work in forestry last year and enjoyed it and this is the next step."

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