Clapham-based Jonathan Batty ended his 13-year association with Surrey Cricket Club last week, after he opted to terminate his contract and join rivals Gloucestershire.

The 35-year-old wicket-keeper decided to leave the Brit Oval, following the club's decision to sign England glove-man Steven Davies explaining that at this stage of his career, he was unwilling to settle for a role as the England Test prospect’s understudy.

He said: “It's incredibly disappointing to leave the club I have spent so much time at over the years, however it's in my best interests to go.

“Surrey will always be close to my heart and I wish the club all the best in these years of rebuilding, however I now have an exciting time coming up at Gloucestershire where I hope I can continue to be successful.”

Meanwhile, Cricket Manager Chris Adams has continued with the evolution at the club by securing the services of Stuart Walters, Matthew Spriegel and Arun Harinath on new two-year contracts.

Walters, an Australian-born all-rounder, also plays club cricket for Malden Wanderers, while batsman Harinath plays for Sutton, yet the signing of Spriegel is perhaps the most intriguing of all.

The 22-year-old progressed through the ranks at Basntead Cricket Club and scored his maiden first-class century against Glamorgan in the final match of the Championship season.

Adams said: “No sports team has ever benefited from a constantly high turnover of players and I am very happy the vast majority of our squad are now able to plan for two or more solid years at Surrey.”

He added: “All the players that have recently agreed new deals have yet to reach their potential for this club and I look forward to exciting times ahead when they are all consistently performing at the height of their ability.”