Wasim Khan today delivered a stinging bouncer at Sussex as he faced up to life away from the county.

The 29-year-old opening batsman believes he has been treated badly after he left by mutual consent last week.

Khan is now looking for his third county and admits events at Hove this summer have left him 'shocked, angry and disappointed.'

He is one of three players to have left Sussex in the past week along with fellow opener Toby Peirce and off-spinner Justin Bates.

All three asked to be allowed to leave before their contracts expired at the end of September when they were told they had no long-term future at the club.

"When I joined Sussex in 1997 I genuinely believed I would finish my career here. I am saddened that the chance to succeed which other people got wasn't given to me."

Khan has had to play second fiddle to Peirce as Richard Montgomerie's opening partner since the start of last season. He played just three matches in 1999 and wasn't called-up this summer until three weeks ago when Michael Bevan was playing for Australia.

He top-scored with 74 and although he made 10, 1 and 0 in three subsequent innings against Northamptonshire, Khan felt his place was secure for last week's match against Glamorgan.

Instead, he was told he wouldn't be considered for the rest of the season and that he had no future with Sussex. Like Peirce, he then asked to go straight away so he could begin the search for new employers.

"When I was told that was it as far as this season and Sussex were concerned I was totally shocked. It really was a bolt out of the blue," he said.

"I think certain people have made up their mind about me for a long time. It's as if they hoped I wouldn't score runs at Eastbourne a couple of weeks ago because they would be under pressure to pick me.

"I have tried to do the right things season. I admit I was a bit down on myself when I didn't get many opportunities last season and that affected my cricket.

"But I have been ultra-professional this summer and when I got my chance up at Northampton I thought I would have four or five games to prove myself.

"Instead I got two. What's happened has been a real kick in the teeth, I'm angry and very disappointed."

Khan has made five centuries and has a career average of 31.03. His availability has been circulated to the other counties and he hopes to relaunch his career elsewhere.

"To be fair Peter Moores has been good to me in that respect. I don't think he had a lot to do with the decision to release me."