Cricket: Wagh ties up Notts deal.

Byline: By Brian Halford

MARK Wagh today signed a three-year contract with Nottinghamshire.

Wagh has made the expected decision to reboot his career with a move to Trent Bridge after Warwickshire, reticent to keep an unhappy player, agreed to release him from the last two years of his contract at Edgbaston.

The 30-year-old's career has effectively stalled in the last two years.

As recently as July 2004 he was included in a 30-strong England development squad but injuries have disrupted his progress.

The seed of his eventual departure from Edgbaston was then planted at the start of last season when, fit again and desperate for first-team cricket, he was overlooked for two months.

His discontent with that decision specifically and life under coach Mark Greatbatch in general ultimately led to today's parting of the ways.

At the end of a Warwickshire career which brought 6,881 runs from 112 first-class appearances, Wagh paid a warm tribute to the Bears' supporters.

"It was a tough decision because of the length of time I've been at the club and the level of my indebtedness to the club," he said.

"And the supporters have been really special to me. I can't say how much I have valued their backing.

"But sometimes there comes a time when it's right to move on. I guess you could say me not getting picked at the start of last season set me thinking.

"I'm really grateful for my time at Warwickshire but now I'm looking forward not back

"I'm very excited by the thought of playing for Nottinghamshire. Trent Bridge is a tremendous venue and I just can't wait for next season to arrive."

Wagh will not be allowed to play for Nottinghamshire against the Bears in one-day cricket in 2007.