Ben Foakes to join Surrey from Essex at the end of the season

Foakes is keen to be Surrey's first-choice wicketkeeper

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes will join Surrey from Essex at the end of the season.

Foakes, 21, has seen his keeping opportunities limited by the form of Essex skipper James Foster.

"We wanted Ben to stay, especially as he is one of our own who we have nurtured through our academy," explained Essex coach Paul Grayson.

"We offered him the opportunity to stay but we totally understand the reasons why he wants to leave."

Foakes made his Championship debut for Essex in 2012, scoring 93, and was England's leading run-scorer at the 2012 Under-19 World Cup later that year.