Gloucestershire snap up Batty

Jonathan Batty, who once took eight catches in an innings, felt he needed to move to Bristol to extend his career

Gloucestershire have signed wicketkeeper Jonathan Batty from Surrey on a three-year contract.

The 35-year-old had one of his most successful seasons at Surrey in 2009, scoring 937 first-class runs at an average of 36 and claiming 50 dismissals in the LV= County Championship.

Batty had a year to run his Surrey contract, but his position was threatened by the signing of England one-day wicketkeeper Steven Davies from Worcestershire in August.

In addition, Steve Adshead’s departure from Gloucestershire yesterday opened up an avenue for Batty, who is now likely to contest wicketkeeping duties at Bristol with Steve Snell.

Batty said: “It’s incredibly disappointing to leave the club I have spent so much time at over the years. However, it’s in my best interests to go.

“Surrey will always be close to my heart and I wish the club all the best in these years of rebuilding. However, I now have an exciting time coming up at Gloucestershire where I hope I can continue to be successful.

“It is an exciting opportunity to take on a new challenge. I am looking forward to joining up with John Bracewell, Jack Russell and the Gloucestershire team.”

A former Oxford University student, Batty joined Surrey in 1997 and spent several years as understudy to Alec Stewart.

In 179 first-class matches for the county, Batty amassed 8,446 runs at an average of 34.05.

His 20 hundreds make him comfortably the leading Surrey wicketkeeper-batsman of all time, with Stewart in second position with eight hundreds when he kept wicket.

Batty also had the distinction of claiming eight dismissals in an innings in a championship match against Kent at The Oval in 2004.

Gloucestershire director of cricket Bracewell said: “We are delighted that Jonathan has signed for us and I have no doubt that he is the missing link between the first and second division.

“His ability to bat anywhere from one to seven gives our batting great flexibility for all competitions.”

Gus Mackay, Surrey managing director, said: “It’s terribly sad to see Jonathan go as he has been such a fantastic servant for the club both on and off the field for many years.

“Everyone here at the club from the office and playing staff right through to the members know what a clubman he is and we will all be wishing him every success for his time at Gloucestershire.

“I would also like to personally thank him for his contribution to Surrey over many years of service.”