The 36-year-old seamer departs to universal respect as the club's leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket and across all formats
Chris Rushworth, Durham's all-time leading wicket-taker, has left the county for personal reasons.
The seamer, who was initially released by the club in 2006 before returning after holding a number of jobs and impressing in club cricket, took 815 wickets across all formats for the club, including 598 in first-class cricket. He usurped Graham Onions as the top wicket-taker for Durham in first-class cricket when he had Jack Haynes caught at slip in 2021.
He played a key role in the County Championship title win of 2013 – the most recent of Durham's three crowns – and was part of the squad that won the Royal London Cup a year later. More importantly, though, he remained with the county through their toughest times in the years after financial issues led to relegation from Division One and an exodus of senior players.
A club statement explained that Rushworth "will depart the club to explore new opportunities outside of the area, with Durham supporting the reasons behind his fresh start outside of the county", though it didn't explicitly confirm whether he would continue his playing career.
"My decision to leave Durham was far from easy, made after lengthy consideration," said Rushworth. "But I have to state, that this decision has been made for personal reasons alone and not cricketing reasons. For that reason, I give a heartfelt thank you to Tim (Bostock), Marcus (North) and the club for allowing me to leave.
Rushworth tears up after becoming Durham's all-time leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
"Durham is, and has always been my club, and that will continue to be the case in the future. I've been incredibly lucky and I'm very proud to have been able to represent the club for so long, and the memories I've made playing for Durham will last forever.
"I want to thank everyone involved in my journey, from coaches, captains, players, support staff and most importantly to the supporters and members. I'd like to think I gave my all whenever I took to the field for Durham and knowing I won't wear the four lions on my chest again is very emotional. Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"I want to wish everyone at Durham all the success in the world going forward."
Marcus North, Durham's director of cricket, added: "I would like to congratulate Chris on what he has achieved here at Durham Cricket. Chris is a club legend and his career is an example to all young cricketers of what you can achieve when you combine talent with hard work and perseverance.
"Whilst we are sad to see Chris leave, we understand his circumstances and I would like to thank Chris for his dedication and service to the club. He goes with our best wishes and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future."
Rushworth took 598 first-class wickets for Durham (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The 36-year-old might well have played for England in a different era, but in the absence of international recognition he represented his home county with pride, commitment and no little skill. There have been few more potent seamers in the county game and even fewer who enjoyed such success after first being released and lost through the system.
He leaves with Durham still in Division Two, one thing – he told The Cricketer in 2021 – that he wanted to change before departing.
"My future wasn't something that I thought of," he said, recalling the fallout of Durham's financial penalties six years ago.
"Once we realised that we were going to be safe enough to have our contracts continue, I wanted to be there with the club when we got back up. We're still trying, and it would be nice if I'm still around to get promoted. It would mean so much to me to reach that top division again."
Sadly, that won't be the case, but Rushworth could scarcely have given more to the Durham cause.
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