Davies to make Worcestershire exit

Steve Davies, the wicketkeeper batsman, has decided not to renew his contract with Worcestershire at the end of this season.

Davies, 23, informed the club of his decision to leave New Road earlier this week, after several months of speculation.

"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," said Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire's director of cricket.

"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."

Davies has 26 dismissals so far this season, and averages 38.37 with the bat. He had a brief taste of international cricket during England's tour of West Indies earlier this year when he played a Twenty20 international, but has been overlooked this season.

He is likely to be followed out of New Road by a number of other senior players with Stephen Moore and Gareth Batty also expected to leave at the end of the summer. Moore is attracting plenty of interest from other counties after his consistent form of recent seasons, while Batty has become unhappy with the director of the club and is being tipped to head to Surrey, who are also interested in Davies.