SETTLE Cricket Club professional Robin Morris has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.

The committee accepted his short letter of resignation on Tuesday night in which the Indian all-rounder stated that a shoulder injury which he had been suffering from for some time was inhibiting him from bowling to the best of his ability.

Substitute professional Tushar Arothe, who has experience in the Bradford and Lancashire Leagues, has been drafted in for Saturday's game at Barnoldswick this Saturday. Skipper Andrew Davidson said the club wanted to appoint a full-time replacement for Morris and Arothe was the favourite.

The injury to Morris - believed to be ligament damage in his right shoulder - was picked up in the very first game of the Indian season when he was playing for Mumbai against the Rest of India last November. That game saw him take 6-53, but the injury prevented him from playing for the rest of the domestic season in India.

He arrived in England in spring hoping his shoulder had healed, but he has still been hampered by it. The 28-year-old has bowled only 27 overs in 10 matches and taken just one wicket this season.

Davidson said: "It was crystal clear that he did have a problem and that performing to the expected level was impossible for him. He realised this and did the honourable thing by resigning from his post on Tuesday. All the players and members wish him well in his future career."

Morris bid an emotional farewell to club members and team-mates at practice on Tuesday.

The Settle skipper added: "He left with a lump in his throat and some tears were shed. We have never experienced this before and it is quite an emotional thing watching someone who totally relies on cricket for his income actually facing a future where his cricketing future hangs in the balance," he said.

Morris joined Settle last year and was at the forefront of one of the club's best ever seasons, helping them to a Ramsbottom Cup triumph and runners-up spot in the league. The Ribblesdale League statistics showed him scoring 826 runs at an average of 51.63 and taking 49 wickets. He has also played an important part in coaching juniors at the club.