Hampshire release batsman Chris Benham

Chris Benham's highest Hampshire score (158) came in the Pro40 in 2006

Hampshire have released batsman Chris Benham after 17 years with the county.

The 27-year-old has found recent opportunities limited, and made only six County Championship appearances for Hampshire in the 2010 season.

He made his first-class debut in 2004, and hit the winning runs in the 2009 Friends Provident Trophy final against Sussex at Lord's.

Benham, who joined the county at the age of 10, said: "Hampshire is a great club with huge ambition."

The batsman had been touted as a future Hampshire captain by his former skipper Shane Warne.

He has a good feel for the game and has never given anything but 100% for the Hampshire cause Hampshire manager Giles White

"Personally, I still have a huge desire to play cricket at the highest level," he added. "I see playing in a new environment with different ideas as a very exciting prospect."

Hampshire manager Giles White added: "As the squad has strengthened opportunities for Chris have become limited.

"However, he has a good feel for the game and has never given anything but 100% for the Hampshire cause, and I would like to thank him for his input."