Surrey opening batsman Mark Stoneman is joining Middlesex.

Stoneman, 34, joined Surrey in 2017 and began life at The Kia Oval with 165 in his very first innings for the Club during the County Championship victory over Warwickshire. After a further seven centuries for the Club, he signed off as a Surrey player with another hundred in his final innings in Tuesday’s Royal London Cup semi-final at Durham.

The left hander amassed 1,156 County Championship runs in his first season at the Club at an average of 60.84 on his way to the first of his eleven England Test caps to date. In the same season he scored 144 not out in the Royal London Cup Final at Lord’s.

In 2018, Stoneman played a key role at the top of the order in Surrey’s memorable County Championship victory, scoring 660 runs. In his 55 first-class matches for the club, he has scored 3,207 runs.

Speaking this week, Stoneman said: “I have had a fantastic five years at Surrey and will be forever grateful to Alec Stewart for giving me the opportunity to represent the Club.

“They played a key part in helping me achieve an ambition of playing for England. It was an incredibly difficult decision to turn down their contract offer as I’ve loved being part of the Surrey family.

“During my time at the Club, I have received fantastic support both on and off the field. However, I was offered a fantastic opportunity by Middlesex and I’m grateful to Alec for his understanding of my decision.”

Surrey Director of Cricket, Alec Stewart, added: “We are obviously disappointed that Rocky chose not to accept our new contract, but I respect his decision and the reasoning behind his move.

“He has been brilliant to work with during his time at Surrey and I wish him every success as he joins Middlesex.”

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