CUMBERLAND County Cricket Club have signed former Yorkshire opening batsman Scott Richardson.

Six-foot two-inch Scott Andrew Richardson has been released by Yorkshire after four years on the county staff.

The former Manchester Grammar schoolboy spent two season with Leicestershire Seconds before being given a contract at Yorkshire.

His highest first-class score was 69 against Kent in 2001 after making his first-team debut the previous season.

The right-handed Richardson was a member of last season's Yorkshire Seconds, who won the Second Eleven Championship. In one-day games, he also kept wicket.

Aged 26, Richardson said: "I am very pleased to be joining Cumberland and hope to repay them by scoring runs consistently throughout the season.

He is currently the professional with Kirkburton in the Huddersfield League.

Netherfield CC stage Cumberland's opening Minor Counties Championship three day match (Monday-Wednesday, May 24-26).

See Cricket for the full story and more.