Moore departs Worcestershire

England Lions opening batsman Stephen Moore has left Worcestershire after activating the relegation release clause in his contract.

Moore is the latest in a line of players to leave the club that finished bottom of LV= County Championship Division One without a win.

Stephen Moore could not replicate his prolific Division Two run-scoring in the LV= County Championship's top flight

Worcestershire released injury-plagued England fast bowler Simon Jones in July and lost England one-day spinner Gareth Batty and wicketkeeper Steven Davies to Surrey in August.

The 28-year-old right-hander came to prominence last year when he amassed 1,288 runs as Worcestershire were promoted in the championship. However, he struggled to replicate that form in Division One where he made just 738 runs this season.

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said: “Stephen has considered his position very carefully and has made the decision to move to another county.

“Whilst we are very sorry to see him go, we wish him well and thank him for his contribution to Worcestershire Cricket.

“We are delighted the county has helped him to the fringe of full international honours and hope that he achieves his ultimate ambition in the years ahead.”