``I have been left with no alternative,'' claimed Cork yesterday. ``I have waited four months for the committee to take the necessary steps to grant me the authority I was promised, but it has not been forthcoming.

``I said that I would resign and apply for my release unless those responsible for downgrading the captaincy were removed from influence on the professional playing staff. Now, as a matter of principle, I am carrying out that threat. My resignation and request will be on the secretary's desk in the morning.''

The trigger for Cork's dramatic action came on Saturday - ``just about the worst day of my life'' according to the all-rounder who learned over breakfast of his omission from England's 30-man World Cup squad.

``First I had to find out from Ceefax that I was out of the biggest cricket event of all, apparently because of the Derbyshire situation. Then I had to find out from journalists that the chairman, Vic Brownett, who had promised to support my case in committee, had done a complete about turn.

``The least I was entitled to expect was a phone call, but apparently watching Nottingham Forest was more important and he intended to get to me on Monday.''

Brownett emerged from a meeting on Saturday to issue a statement which offered ``unequivocal support for the committee's decisions'' and which disassociated him from a group of members collecting signatures for an extraordinary general meeting at which a ``vote of no confidence'' in the committee will be proposed.

This group, which includes former chairmen Chris Middleton and Guy Willatt and three former committee members, insists that such direct action offers the only hope of persuading Cork and leading batsman Kim Barnett, who has already been offered his release, to stay with the county.

Cork commented: ``I am touched by their support but there comes a time to cut your losses and put your career first'' - a statement which will alert Lancashire, Notts and Warwickshire.

``As things stand I can see no way that myself or Kim will be here next season and if things carry on as they are, others like Kevin Dean, Andy Harris and Karl Krikken may follow us.

``While a particular group within the committee is dominating affairs, I see no prospect of a reasonable relationship with the players and in time that can mean only one thing - Minor Counties cricket.''

Brownett, who lost a crucial vote on playing matters 8-6 on Saturday, was unavailable for comment yesterday but was believed to be considering his own position.