Keaton Jennings has turned down a contract extension from Durham County Cricket Club and will leave the club at the end of the 2017 season.
Following long discussions, Keaton has decided that at this critical point in his international career he needs to play first division cricket and we respect his decision.
It has been a pleasure to see Keaton develop through the Durham system and to break into the England team.
Chairman Sir Ian Botham said: “Keaton has been an important player for Durham, a natural leader and I have been hugely impressed by his professionalism and courtesy through what has been a very difficult decision for him.
“I would like to take the opportunity to wish him well for the future.”
Keaton said: “My heartfelt gratitude goes to Durham County for the opportunities, support and guidance in enabling me to follow my dream of playing cricket in England.
“My years at the county have been positive and inspirational and I leave with the happiest of memories and the closest of friends.
“Despite being career-driven, the decision to move on has been agonisingly difficult for me. “Everyone in the north has become, and will remain, “family” to me.
“I wish consolidation and success to DCCC.”