Hodd dons the gloves after Brophy makes exit

Brophy, 36, has not been offered a new deal for 2013 and leaves with just five weeks of the season remaining.

Hodd, who has joined on loan until the end of the campaign, will play in the vital match against Second Division leaders Derbyshire at Headingley this week as first-choice wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow is on Test duty at Lord’s.

Hodd will also provide cover for Yorkshire’s remaining Championship fixtures but Dan Hodgson, a 22-year-old who made his Yorkshire first-team debut in Sunday’s five-wicket win against Unicorns, will continue to keep wicket in CB40 matches.

In a club statement, Brophy said: “I’m disappointed to be leaving Yorkshire after seven great years.

“I’ve had 20 years playing cricket and all good things must come to an end. I’ve always given my all for the White Rose and wish the club well in the future.”

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Gerard since I returned to the club in 2007.

“He has been an excellent servant to the club and has been a key member of the dressing room. 
He will be missed around the squad.

“I would like to record my appreciation for his professionalism and dedication to the Yorkshire cause over the last seven years and wish him every success in the future.”

In 73 first-class games for Yorkshire, Brophy scored 3,012 runs at 30.

Former England Under-19 gloveman Hodd, who has failed to establish himself in spells at Sussex and Surrey, has played 57 first-class matches, scoring 2,006 at 29.

No formal approach has been made by the England and Wales Cricket Board to see Kevin Pietersen’s infamous text messages, South Africa’s team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee has confirmed.

Pietersen was dropped by England for this week’s third Test at Lord’s after failing to reveal the contents of messages sent to South African players during the drawn match at Headingley.