Worcestershire release Batty

Gareth Batty, right, will end his eight-year association with Worcestershire in search of a fourth county for 2010

Worcestershire have released the unsettled England off-spinner Gareth Batty from the final year of his contract.

Batty, 31, received permission to speak to other counties earlier this month. He joins the England one-day wicketkeeper Steve Davies in leaving the county.

Batty, who began his career at Yorkshire, won international honours during his time at New Road since joining from Surrey in 2002. He had been contracted until the end of 2010.

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said: “Following Gareth's request to talk to other counties, he has let us know he would like to move on at the end of the season.

“We would like to acknowledge his contribution to our successes over the last eight years which have helped him secure England selection in seven Test matches and 10 ODIs.

“I know he has enjoyed his time with Worcestershire but feels the need to move on at this stage in his career.”

Batty has not been named in Worcestershire's team to play Nottinghamshire at New Road tomorrow.