GARETH Batty will leave Worcestershire with his relationship with director of cricket Steve Rhodes in tatters.

The 31-year-old follows New Road team-mate Steve Davies to Surrey on a three-year deal next season, but his departure to the Brit Oval is overshadowed by a breakdown in communications with Rhodes.

Batty did not want to talk about his relationship with the director of cricket but it is understood the pair have not spoken in weeks.

It is also thought Rhodes has made no attempt to keep his fellow Yorkshireman at New Road and it is the falling-out between the pair which is the main reason for his departure — not the quality of facilities at the club.

“There are lots of little things that add up to me leaving,” Batty said.

Rhodes admitted the relationship between the pair has been strained and turned into more of a business-type relationship but refutes the suggestion that they are not on speaking terms.

“It is certainly more of a business relationship now and that happens sometimes, but that is for (Surrey cricket manager) Chris Adams to sort out next year,” Rhodes said.

“We are on speaking terms, he will play tomorrow in the Pro40 at Nottinghamshire. I told him he is in the squad!”

Batty hopes the return to the Brit Oval will revitalise his career and in turn see him recalled to the England side.

The off-spinner has only taken 10 wickets this season in LV County Championship Division One at 72.4 each and he is only averaging 10.93 with the bat but he says his performances this campaign are not the reason for his exit.

“I’ve looked in the mirror and I realised that I have to do what is best for me in my career,” Batty said.

“For more than a year I have not progressed as I wanted to.

“I want to give myself every opportunity to get the best out of my ability so that I can think at the end of my career, whenever that might be, I got everything out of my ability. If that happens, I’ll be a happy man. I’m not leaving because I haven’t had a good season — that is not the case at all — it has been difficult.

“It is a shame I have not played as I would have wanted this year and there is no real reason for it, but it’s down to me.”

Batty hopes Worcestershire can bounce back from a disappointing campaign and believes some of the youngsters coming through the ranks at New Road have good careers ahead of them.

“I think the young players coming through will make a big difference,” he added. “Players like Daryl Mitchell, who I believe has a massive future. He is probably only a couple of seasons away from higher honours.

“There are other players too, but Daryl is a fine prospect.

“It is sad when people leave but it will give opportunities for other players and this is a fantastic club to play for.

“I have really enjoyed my eight years here — I will be sad to leave.”