Davies bids farewell to Worcestershire

Steven Davies remains "an integral part" of Worcestershire's plans this season despite his impending exit

Wicketkeeper Steven Davies is to leave Worcestershire at the end of the season after informing the county he will not be renewing his contract.

Davies is widely tipped to join Surrey, who gave Worcestershire 28 days’ notice to speak to the player earlier in the season.

The 23-year-old, who came through the Academy at New Road and made his England debut in a Twenty20 international with the West Indies during the winter, rejected a new three-year deal at Worcestershire in July.

He also appears regularly for England Lions and has played twice against Australia for them this summer at New Road and last weekend at Canterbury.

Davies informed Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes of his decision earlier in the week.

Former England wicketkeeper Rhodes said: “Having been involved with Steve’s development since the age of 11, I am quite naturally disappointed he won’t be part of the club’s plans in the immediate future.

“However, the most important thing is the club must move forward and we will be searching for a suitable replacement.

“We respect his decision and hope that he has a very successful cricketing career with his new county and with England.

“He will always be welcome at New Road and will remain an integral part of our plans for the remainder of the season.”

It is another blow for Worcestershire with England one-day spinner Gareth Batty also set to leave after being given permission to speak to other counties.