LANCASHIRE have confirmed that Warrington-born batter Rob Jones will leave the county at the end of the 2023 season.

Stockton Heath’s Jones turned down the offer of a new contract from Lancashire and recently informed the club that he would be joining Worcestershire at the end of his current deal.

The 27-year-old made his First-Class debut for Lancashire in 2016 and has since made 109 appearances in all formats.

He played Under 13s, 14s, 15s and 17s cricket for Cheshire, while joining the Lancashire ranks in 2012 when he played for the Academy.

The Toft product was part of England’s Under 19s World Cup campaign in the UAE in early 2014, reaching the semi-final stage with them.

Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton said: “Both Glen Chapple (Lancashire head coach) and I were very keen to keep Rob at the Club, offered him what we believe to be an excellent two-year deal and made it clear that we saw him as an important part of our plans moving forward.

“Ultimately, Rob has decided that he believes he will get more opportunity across all formats to progress his career at Worcestershire and while we are disappointed to lose him, we respect his decision.

“We have taken the decision that Rob won’t feature in our First Team plans for the rest of this season - as we focus on players who will be at the club next season and beyond. "Discussions are ongoing between Lancashire and Worcestershire as to what the remainder of Rob’s season entails.

“Rob has been an extremely popular member of the dressing room and has always given 100% for the Red Rose. We thank him for his services and wish him all the best with his new chapter at New Road.”

Jones enjoyed a brilliant run of form in the 2022 Royal London Cup, helping Lancashire reach the final with scores of 70 not out, 85 not out and 84 in as many innings during the group stages.

He scored the third century of his career in Lancashire's 46-run defeat by Essex in their latest County Championship match last week.

Jones said: “I am thrilled to be joining Worcestershire and embarking on this exciting new chapter of my career.

“I’ve always admired the club’s commitment to nurturing talent, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the team and make a positive impact both on and off the field.”

Worcestershire Chief Executive, Ashley Giles, expressed his enthusiasm about Rob Jones joining the club.

He added: “I’ve known Rob for a number of years, and apart from being a really good and adaptable cricketer, he is also a fantastic young man who will add to our dressing room.”