Rob Jones 'won't feature' for Lancashire this season after agreeing Worcestershire deal

Lancashire have told Rob Jones that they will not pick him again this summer after he agreed a three-year deal with Worcestershire, despite his final-day 111 in their narrow defeat to Essex last week.

Jones, 27, has spent his entire professional career at Lancashire but has often found himself in and out of the first team, and turned down the offer of a new contract with the club in anticipation of more regular opportunities with Worcestershire.

"I am thrilled to be joining Worcestershire and embarking on this exciting new chapter of my career," Jones said. "I've always admired the club's commitment to nurturing talent, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the team and make a positive impact both on and off the field."

Mark Chilton, Lancashire's director of cricket, said that along with head coach Glen Chapple, he had tried to keep Jones at Emirates Old Trafford. "[We] offered him what we believe to be an excellent two-year deal and made it clear that we saw him as an important part of our plans moving forward," Chilton said.

"Ultimately, Rob has decided that he believes he will get more opportunity across all formats to progress his career at Worcestershire and while we are disappointed to lose him, we respect his decision."

Jones has been left out of Lancashire's squad for their Championship fixture against Warwickshire this week, and Chilton said he would not be part of their plans for the rest of the summer.

"We have taken the decision that Rob won't feature in our first-team plans for the rest of this season - as we focus on players who will be at the club next season and beyond," he said. "Discussions are ongoing between Lancashire and Worcestershire as to what the remainder of Rob's season entails.

"Rob has been an extremely popular member of the dressing-room and has always given 100% for the Red Rose. We thank him for his services and wish him all the best with his new chapter at New Road."

Ashley Giles, Worcestershire's new chief executive, was Lancashire's coach when Jones made his debut. He said: "I've known Rob for a number of years, and apart from being a really good and adaptable cricketer, he is also a fantastic young man who will add to our dressing room."

Jones becomes Giles' first signing since his appointment at a time of transition in Worcestershire's squad. The departures of Dillon Pennington, Josh Tongue (both Nottinghamshire) and Pat Brown (Derbyshire) have already been confirmed, with Jack Haynes and Ben Cox also expected to leave the club at the end of the season.