ENGLAND Lions star Stephen Moore has opted to activate the relegation release clause in his Worcestershire contract and has left the County with immediate effect.

The 28-year-old, who has been linked with Lancashire, spent six years at New Road and forced his way into the international picture on the back of a stellar 2008 campaign. He failed to replicate that form last term, however, averaging just 27 in first-class cricket.

Moore becomes the fourth high-profile player to abandon Worcestershire after England wicketkeeper Steve Davies and vice-captain Gareth Batty — who both opted to join Surrey — and injury-prone fast bowler Simon Jones, who has signed for Hampshire.

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton admitted he was disappointed to see Moore leave the club.

He said: “We are always disappointed when any player decides to leave us, particularly one of Stephen’s calibre.

“He has had to make the decision as to whether he feels his England aspirations will be better served playing elsewhere. We wouldn’t stand in the way of that.

“Players do seem to perceive that playing at certain other counties enhances their international chances, but we would not agree with that based on our past record of producing England players.

“Stephen has considered his position carefully and has made the decision to move to another county.

“While 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."

Newton revealed there will be no further departures from the beleaguered club and that director of cricket Steve Rhodes is looking to bring in replacements.

He said: “As far as we are concerned, the Kabir Ali situation is resolved and he is an esential part of our plans for next season.

“He has to get out there and play some games and there is no better place for him than New Road, which always offers something for the seamers.

“As far as the Moore announcement is concerned, that is the end of the potential movement of players out of the club and everyone else is gearing up for winter training now.

“We can do some more work now on new arrivals as we know what the available budget is with Stephen’s departure confirmed and that is something Steve Rhodes will be working on.

“Taken in context with everything else that has been going on, there will be a search for possible replacements, but we have a large number of younger players already signed on and it will definitely be a younger side next year.

“A lot of players are changing counties at the moment and there is no doubt that the economic situation is forcing counties into being very prudent.”