Stephen Moore joins Lancashire

Stephen Moore has joined Lancashire from Worcestershire, which the batsman has represented since 2003.

Mark Newton, Worcestershire's chief executive, said that Moore had considered his position very carefully before deciding to move to another county. "Whilst we are very sorry to see him go, we wish him well and thank him for his contribution to Worcestershire Cricket. We are delighted the county has helped him to the fringe of full International honours and hope that he achieves his ultimate ambition in the years ahead."

The South-African born Moore, 28, is the fourth player to leave the county since the end of the season after Gareth Batty, Steven Davies and Simon Jones. Batty and Davies joined Surrey and Jones was released and signed up by Hampshire. Worcestershire failed to win a match during the Championship in 2009.

Moore was excited at moving to Lancashire, which offers him the prospect of first division county cricket next year. "To join a club of Lancashire's stature is a fantastic opportunity for me at this stage in my career," he said. "I am confident that the club will provide me with the platform to grow and develop as a player and person."

Mike Watkinson, Lancashire's cricket director, welcomed Moore on board. "Stephen is a highly regarded batsman with a proven track record in county cricket, who will add quality to our top order in all forms of cricket," Watkinson said. "Not only will Stephen's arrival strengthen our batting unit but he will compliment those younger members of the squad who we see taking on more responsibility in the future."

In 2008, after averaging 55.80 for Worcestershire as they earned promotion in the Championship and touring New Zealand with the England Lions, Moore had been mentioned as a potential England player. However, after being overlooked last year, Moore said he had been left "scratching his head" following some of the decisions made by the national selectors. His form was not as successful this year; he scored 738 first-class runs this past season with one century and five fifties.