MICHAEL Bates is looking for a new county after being told there is no future for him at Hampshire.

David Balcombe, who has struggled with a knee injury for much of the season, is also on his way after turning down the offer of a one-year deal to stay at The Ageas Bowl.

The seamer is expected to continue his career elsewhere, while Hampshire are hoping to find a county for academy product Bates.

Hampshire coach Dale Benkenstein said: “It’s very sad to say goodbye to both players but you have to make tough calls to move forward.”

Benkenstein admits it was particularly tough to release 23 year-old Bates, a key player in the three limited-over trophy wins of 2010 and 2012 and arguably the best young wicketkeeper in the country.

“Some people will think we may be wrong to go with Wheats, but we still have Tom Alsop and Lewis McManus, who are both very good,” he said.

“We had that luxury and it would be unfair on Batesy to keep him.

“Wheats is first choice in all forms and to keep Batesy would be unfair on Batesy. If he isn’t going to play in the first team, he needs to go somewhere where he will play.

"Wheats wasn’t keeping as well last year but he’s worked hard on it and is getting there. The gap's closed.

"You don’t really notice Wheats and that’s a good sign as a keeper. I think if he works hard he can be close to Batesy.

"Looking round the country Batesy's much better than some of the keepers that are playing and the club’s trying as hard as anything to make sure he's looked after. I hope he goes somewhere where he plays all forms.

"Batesy just can’t match Wheats with the bat, he's getting better but Wheats is an exceptional player.  

“It’s tough but playing first-class cricket is not easy. It’s just the way it is. I don’t need four keepers, and this means I can get another bowler.

“It just makes sense."