Batty heads for Gloucestershire

28 October 2009

Surrey stalwart, Jonathan Batty has played his last match for the Club after he signed a three year contract to join Gloucestershire today.

Batty, who agreed terms with the Club to keep him at the Brit Oval until the end of next season, reached an agreement with Surrey management to opt out of that deal to pursue other opportunities in Bristol.

Thirty five year old Batty felt that regular first team berths would be limited due to the arrival of England back up wicket-keeper Steve Davies who was signed by the Club back in August. He will however, leave the Brit Oval with many fond memories both from an individual and team perspective. He was a member of the Surrey 1999, 2000 and 2002 Championship winning teams, won the Twenty20 Cup and Sunday League in 2003 as well as equalling a record of most catches in an innings with eight, against Kent at the Brit Oval in 2004.

Over the course of 13 seasons with the Club, Batty proved to be one of the best keepers in the County game in addition to providing some useful contributions with the bat, either opening the innings or in the middle order. In 179 first-class matches, Batty amassed 8446 runs at an average of 34.05. His 20 hundreds make him the leading Surrey wicket-keeper batsman of all time by some way, with Alec Stewart in second position with eight hundreds when he kept wicket.

With the gloves on he took 541 dismissals (479 catches and 62 stumpings), placing him eighth on the Club’s all time list. Batty, who was loved by all Surrey fans for his fighting nature both with the gloves and with the bat, fittingly played out a match saving hundred at the Brit Oval against Glamorgan in what turned out to be his last match for the Club.

Commenting on his decision to leave Batty said, “It’s incredibly disappointing to leave the Club I have spent so much time at over the years however it’s in my best interests to go. Surrey will always be close to my heart and I wish the Club all the best in these years of rebuilding however I now have an exciting time coming up at Gloucestershire where I hope I can continue to be successful.

He continued by saying, “I’d also like to thank everyone who has helped me in my time here, from my team mates, coaching and office staff and the members who have all been so supportive during my time at The Oval.”

Managing Director of Surrey Cricket Gus Mackay added, “It’s terribly sad to see Jonathan go as he has been such a fantastic servant for the Club both on and off the field for many years. Everyone here at the Club from the office and playing staff, right through to the members know what a Club man he is and we will all be wishing him every success for his time at Gloucester. I would also like to personally thank him for his contribution to Surrey Cricket over many years of service.”

Jonathan Batty spoke to Surrey TV after the announcement this morning. Click on the " Play Video " button in the picture at the top of this article to watch the interview.