Essex bowler Tymal Mills has decided to leave the club at the end of the season, it emerged tonight.

Mildenhall paceman Mills was offered a new deal, but has decided to pursue his career with another county.

The 22-year-old played 12 matches last season but was troubled by a back injury, limiting his appearances to only one game since late July, against Hampshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup in which he retired hurt.

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: “We are of course disappointed that Tymal has decided to leave the club, especially as he is one of our own from the Essex Academy.

“There was an attractive new contract offer on the table for him but he has decided to reject it and continue his career with a new club.”

Mills said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Essex.

“I want to thank the club for giving me my introduction into professional cricket and in particular to John Childs, for my time spent on the Academy, and then Chris Silverwood, who has helped me no end since turning professional. I am excited for the next chapter in my career.”