Cork pulls plug on Derbyshire

England all-rounder Dominic Cork has formally requested to be released from his contract at Derbyshire.

Cork has two years on his deal to run but has been unhappy since the club committee's decision not to retain him as captain next season.

Meanwhile, England captain Michael Vaughan today clarified his position on the state of domestic cricket following reports that he advocated dropping two of the 18 counties from the championship.

Although worried about too many games being played, he said: "I have developed through the county system and I certainly do not support any reduction in the number of first-class counties."