Chris Nash has quit Sussex by mutual consent.

The county have agreed to release long-serving batsman Nash from the final year of his contract.

A statement released by Sussex this morning said: Chris "requested to be released as he wishes to take his career in another direction.

"As part of our longer-term plans to move the club forward we have agreed to this request.

"Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to thank Chris for his long and distinguished service to the club since first playing for the club as a junior.

"We wish him all the best and look forward to welcoming back to Hove in the future."

The departure of Cuckfield-born Nash, who made his debut in 2002, comes with the future of head coach Mark Davis under a cloud.

Sussex refused to comment on a report earlier this month that Davis is set to leave.