LEWIS McManus has brought to an end his lengthy stay at Hampshire, to join Northamptonshire on a permanent deal.

The 27-year-old had been on loan with Northants, and has now joined them permanently, with the move effective immediately.

McManus, who joined Hampshire from Dorset, is a product of the club’s pathway system and was handed his first XI debut in 2015 in a County Championship game against Yorkshire at Headingley.

In 2016, the wicketkeeper-batter recorded his maiden century for the club, registering an unbeaten 132 against Surrey in the County Championship.

He became an important member of the squad, keeping wicket in all three formats of the game, and was part of the side that won the 2018 Royal London One-Day Cup at Lord’s and qualified for the 2021 Vitality Blast Finals Day.

Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, said: “Lewis has been a fantastic servant to the club and an incredibly popular player; we will miss him.

"On behalf of everyone at the Hampshire I’d like to thank him for his contributions over the years and wish him the best with his move to Northamptonshire.”

McManus said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a player over the last decade at Hampshire.

"I have made great friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. I supported Hampshire as a boy, so to play for the club was a privilege.

"I am extremely grateful to the fans, players and coaches for their support over the years. Now, I’m excited about my future with Northamptonshire and I wish Hampshire all the very best.”

In total, Lewis made 153 appearances for Hampshire across all formats, scoring a total of 3,113 runs with 176 catches and 36 stumpings.