MARK Pettini has rejected a new contract at Essex Cricket Club to link up with County Championship rivals Leicestershire.

The 32-year-old has been with Essex since 2001 but has been used sparingly this season, featuring primarily as a limited overs specialist in recent years.

Pettini hit a terrific 134 against Surrey in the County Championship in August, and followed that up with an unbeaten century against Derbyshire at the start of the month, averaging 100.50 in five matches.

But he has now decided to leave as he bids to play more regularly in all formats of the game.

And Pettini, who has signed a three-year deal at Leicestershire, said leaving the club was not an easy decision.

“It was an incredibly hard decision to leave Essex, the place I have played my cricket since the age of 16,” he said.

“I have nothing but happy memories of my time at the Club. I would like to thank everyone, including the members, supporters, players, coaches and staff, for the support they have given me over the years. In particular, I would like to thank Graham Gooch, Ronnie Irani and Paul Grayson.

“At this stage in my career the chance to play regularly across all three formats was something I couldn’t turn down as playing red ball cricket is something I still have a very strong desire to do.

“I’ve been deliberating over this decision for a number of weeks, and only informed the Club on Friday of the move. It was very emotional, particularly when I told the players who I’ve shared the dressing room with over the years. Leading the side out on Friday morning was a special moment.

”My proudest moment was the win at Lord’s in 2008, and it is something I will never forget.”

The former captain enjoyed extensive periods of success in his early days, including a Friends Provident Trophy win at Lord’s in 2008 and promotion to Division One in 2009, although he relinquished the captaincy the following season in a bid to rediscover his own batting form.

But he has been most impressive in Twenty20 cricket, blasting 2,926 runs in his time at the club.

Ronnie Irani, Essex chairman added: “Everyone at the Club would like to thank Mark for the service he has given over the years. He has been an excellent player for the Club, with a fabulous attitude and was a successful captain when taking over from myself in 2007.

“We wish him all the best.”