Buttler leaves Somerset to seek glove time

England limited-overs wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has confirmed he will not be signing a new deal with Somerset, and will be moving counties in order to get more time behind the stumps as he seeks a Test cap.

England limited-overs wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has confirmed he will not be signing a new deal with Somerset, and will be moving counties in order to get more time behind the stumps as he seeks a Test cap.

Buttler and Craig Kieswetter are the glovemen at Taunton, but Kieswetter seems to be the preferred choice. Buttler thus announced he would be leaving the club, with Lancashire and Warwickshire thought to be competing for his services.

Buttler has played 19 ODIs and 25 T20s for England, but no Tests yet as Matt Prior is the keeper for that team. Buttler has become more prominent in the shorter formats, but last kept wicket for Somerset a month ago.

A statement from the Taunton outfit read: "Somerset County Cricket Club is very disappointed to announce that Jos Buttler has decided to leave the club at the end of this season.

"This has been an immensely difficult decision for him and he departs with our very best wishes."

Somerset CEO Guy Lavender said: "Both Jos and the club have worked extremely hard over the last few months to find a solution, which satisfies Jos' understandable desire to have more time behind the stumps in order to advance his international career.

"I would like to make it clear that he has behaved impeccably during this difficult process. However, the club, on a matter of principle and pragmatism, feels unable to offer a guarantee to Jos – or any other player – of selection in their preferred role.

"Such a situation would be unfair on team-mates as well as those selecting the side. We thank Jos for all he has done for the club and wish him well in the future."

Buttler added: "I am very sad to be leaving Somerset but feel it is a decision I must take in order to develop my expertise as a wicketkeeper.

"I am immensely grateful for all the help and support that everyone at Somerset has given me which has shaped the player and person I am today. I would like to wish the club the best of luck for the future."

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