Mark Footitt leaves Surrey with immediate effect to join Nottinghamshire

Mark Footitt has left Surrey with immediate effect to sign for Nottinghamshire.

The fast bowler, who was selected for England’s 2015-16 tour of South Africa but did not play a Test, wanted to return to the East Midlands for family reasons, and his request has been granted.

His departure is a blow for Surrey. Footitt was their most prolific bowler in Championship cricket this summer, with 23 wickets at a shade under 30 apiece. He signed a four-year contract with Surrey when he joined them in autumn 2015 but both parties have reached a settlement.

Footitt will be available for Notts, who are trying to win promotion back to Division One. His departure may give Stuart Meaker the chance to re-establish himself in the team.

Earlier this summer, Footitt had set his sights on regaining an England spot, after he took six for 14 in a Championship victory over Warwickshire.

He said: “You always try to push for that. If you keep taking wickets and bowling well then why not?”

Footitt expressed his ambition to make the touring party for this winter’s Ashes series though with Division Two lacking the strength of Division One, it will surely be difficult for him to convince the selectors.