Lewis makes Surrey switch

Jon Lewis will end 17 years with Gloucestershire at the end of this season when he moves to Surrey on a two-year contract

Former England seamer Jon Lewis is set to finish his playing days with Surrey after agreeing to move there from Gloucestershire at the end of the season.

Lewis, who will be 36 on August 26, has spent his entire career with Gloucestershire, having made his first-class debut for them in 1995.

However, he has signed a two-year contract with their LV= County Championship Division Two rivals, whom he is currently playing against at Cheltenham.

Former county captain Lewis has made 222 first-class, 212 List A and 56 Twenty20 appearances, taking more than 770 wickets and scoring over 4,000 runs.

He played in one Test - against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge in 2006 - and has also appeared in 13 one-day and two T20 internationals. He was part of England’s 2007 World Cup squad although he did not play in the competition.

Lewis, whose career-best bowling figures of 8-95 were achieved against Zimbabwe at Gloucester in 2000, said: "I have had some wonderful times with Gloucestershire, been privileged to captain the club, play with many fantastic players and enjoy terrific backing from the supporters over 17 seasons, which have brought many highlights.

"I am very grateful for all the opportunities the club have given me. Now I am looking forward to an exciting new challenge with a team I feel is ready to step up to the next level.

“Surrey have some hugely promising players and I hope I can add some experience to their squad and help their young bowlers progress.

Lewis played in one Test, against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge in 2006. He also appeared in 13 one-day and two Twenty20 internationals

"There is still a job to be done at Gloucestershire over the remainder of this season. I have spoken to my team-mates and assured them that I remain totally committed to helping the club reach Division One of the championship before I leave."

Surrey professional cricket manager Chris Adams added: "Jon Lewis has been the most consistent seam bowler in English domestic cricket for some time now and is exactly the right character and personality I have been looking for.

"We have a developing group of very exciting young quick bowlers and it is fantastic to know that Jon will be leading that group in the heat of the battle. He will bring a host of qualities on and off the field and is a terrific addition to the squad; I am delighted he has decided to join us."

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: “Jon Lewis has been a terrific cricketer for our club and we are very grateful for all that he has done.

“He has decided at this stage of his career that he wants to move to pastures new and we wish him the very best of luck in the future.”

Director of cricket John Bracewell added: “Jon was one of the players involved at the start of an era that stands out in Gloucestershire’s history and went on from there to captain the club and represent England both in Test cricket and at a World Cup.

“His contribution both as a player and latterly as a mentor to the young players at Gloucestershire is immeasurable. I wish him all the best.”

Skipper Alex Gidman said: “Jon has been an amazing servant to the club. He has performed incredibly well for us over a long period, setting a great example to all around him, and will leave a large hole to fill.”