Borthwick rejects Durham for Surrey

Scott Borthwick is to leave Durham after rejecting the offer of a new contract and taking up a three-year deal with Surrey.

Borthwick has been one of the country's most prolific run-scorers over recent seasons and was tipped to win an England recall during the summer, before a run of poor form saw Gary Ballance picked instead. He was out of contract at Durham and will follow his team-mate Mark Stoneman in moving south to London.

A Durham statement said: "Scott Borthwick has rejected Durham County Cricket Club's three-year contract extension and will leave the club at the end of the 2016 season.

"The club made a strong offer to keep his services but the 26-year-old has decided to accept an offer elsewhere and we respect his decision. Scott has been a good servant of the club and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him well for the future."

A few hours later, Surrey confirmed the move: "The club is pleased to announce that Scott Borthwick has agreed terms with Surrey CCC on a three-year contract."

Borthwick has won four caps across the three formats, primarily as a legspinner, and last played for England in the Sydney Test during the 2013-14 Ashes. He moved up to bat at No. 3 for Durham in 2013 and passed 1000 runs three seasons running; he is once again closing in on the mark this year.

Durham, who are not yet certain of their Division One safety, have faced difficulty holding on to players due to the financial situation at the club. Stoneman agreed a deal to join Surrey for 2017 during mid-season but Keaton Jennings, Paul Collingwood and Ben Stokes - who has an ECB central contract - have signed extensions.