JOS Buttler will be playing cricket for another county in 2014 after Somerset announced that the 23-year-old is leaving the County Ground at the end of the season.

In the last few months there has been mounting speculation regarding the future of the local boy who is out of contract and who is currently England’s first choice ‘keeper in One Day and T20 Internationals.

However this season he has been unable to keep regularly back at his home county and this is the reason for his departure.

A county spokesman said "Somerset County Cricket Club is very disappointed to announce that Jos Buttler has decided to leave the club at the end of this season. "This has been an immensely difficult decision for him and he departs with our very best wishes."

Somerset boss Guy Lavender explained how all parties had worked hard to try to resolve the wicket-keeping dilemma.

He said: “Both Jos and the club have worked extremely hard over the last few months to find a solution which satisfies Jos's understandable desire to have more time behind the stumps in order to advance his international career. I would like to make it clear that he has behaved impeccably during this difficult process.

“However the club, on a matter of principle and pragmatism, feels unable to offer a guarantee to Jos - or any other player - of selection in their preferred role. Such a situation would be unfair on team-mates as well as those selecting the side.

“We thank Jos for all he has done for the Club and wish him well in the future.”

Buttler said: “I am very sad to be leaving Somerset but feel it is a decision I must take in order to develop my expertise as a wicket keeper. I am immensely grateful for all the help and support that everyone at Somerset has given me which has shaped the player and person I am today.

"I would like to wish the club the best of luck for the future.”

Another player leaving the club is fast bowler Gemaal Hussain who joined the Cidermen on a three year contract from neighbours Gloucestershire ahead of the 2011 season.