Aftab Habib is quitting Essex at the end of the season with a view to joining another county.

And the club's annual hire and fire meeting has also spelled the end of the road as Essex players for bowlers Adrian McCoubrey and Zoheb Sharif.

But former England wicketkeeper James Foster and in-form opening batsman Will Jefferson have signed new deals to remain at The County Ground.

Essex captain Ronnie Irani said he was sad to be losing a batsman of 32-year-old Habib's quality.

But he added: "Aftab is looking for a longer term deal than we can offer him.

"The player is seeking a bit of long term security and a couple of counties are said to be showing interest in him."

Habib, who won two England Test caps as a Leicestershire player in 1999, has been a regular in the Essex Championship side this summer.

Published Friday September 3, 2004

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