England one-day international Jos Buttler is expected to complete a move from Somerset to Lancashire at the end of the current season.
The Division Two champions have confirmed that wicket-keeper Gareth Cross has been released and Buttler is expected to replace him. Buttler has been battling with Craig Kieswetter for the number one spot at Taunton, even though the former is seemingly the preferred option for the Three Lions in the shorter forms of the game.
He has played 19 one-day internationals and 25 Twenty20 matches for England and a move to Lancashire will see him become the first-choice keeper at Old Trafford, with teenager Alex Davies in reserve. The departing Cross has struggled for runs this season for the Red Rose county, averaging just 24.05 with the bat.
On the departure of Cross, Lancashire’s director of cricket Mike Watkinson said: “Gareth has been a valuable and passionate member of our squad over the last eight years and played a key role in the title-winning team of 2011.
“The club felt the time was right for him to look elsewhere to progress his career and we wish him well.”
Head Coach Peter Moores added: “Gareth has been at the heart of the team over the last few seasons and is Lancashire through and through. He moves on with our best wishes and an appreciation of all the hard work he has put in.
“He still has much to offer the County game and I’m sure given the opportunity he can use the experience gained at Lancashire to move his game forward.”
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