Nottinghamshire Academy Director Chris Tolley has left the Club, ending a two-decade stint at Trent Bridge.

Tolley, 48, made his Notts debut in 1996 having joined from Worcestershire. He went on to make 124 appearances, taking 175 wickets and contributing 2,686 runs.

He was capped in 1997 and awarded a benefit in 2002, a year after being asked by the Club to setup its Academy.

“It has been a difficult decision to leave Trent Bridge after 20 years, but I feel it is the right time in the knowledge that I leave a strong Academy with some fantastic young prospects,” he said.

“I would like to thank the Club for the opportunities it has afforded me, firstly as a player and more recently as Academy Director. I leave with some fond memories.”

Of the current Nottinghamshire professional squad, Samit Patel, Jake Ball, Brett Hutton, Luke Wood, Matthew Carter, Jake Libby, Tom Moores, and Ben Kitt all featured within Tolley’s Academy programme.

“Over two decades, Chris has made a very big contribution,” added Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“We were all very proud when Jake Ball made his Test debut at Lord’s this summer – and Chris, together with the coaches Jake has worked with in senior cricket – take a lot of credit for that.

“As Jake and other players make progress, Chris can continue to be proud of what he has achieved here.

“We wish him all the best for the future.”