BATSMAN Will Jefferson has quit Essex to find first-team cricket elsewhere.Officially, the 26-year-old 6ft 10in opener will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of next month but the club has agreed to his departure with immediate effect.

BATSMAN Will Jefferson has quit Essex to find first-team cricket elsewhere.

Officially, the 26-year-old 6ft 10in opener will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of next month but the club has agreed to his departure with immediate effect.

“I have had a very frustrating year due to an accident sustained in the pre-season period and the consequences of this have been that my opportunities to play first-team cricket have been severely limited,” said Jefferson.

“With the progress of others I feel the best chance of furthering my career in the game lies elsewhere.'

Essex chief executive David East added: “It is always very disappointing when we lose players, particularly those who have been part of our development system for many years.

“Will has been a great asset to the club but we fully understand his reasoning and respect the decision he has made.

“We think it is in Will's best interest to make a clean break now so that he can fully investigate alternative cricket opportunities while the season is ongoing.”