Dan Lawrence to swap Essex for Surrey from 2024

The England international has signed a three-year contract with Surrey

Dan Lawrence will call The Oval home from 2024 after joining Surrey on a three-year contract from Essex.

The England batter made his first-class debut for Essex as a 17-year-old and has gone on to score 5,110 runs at 36.24 and pick up 15 wickets in 98 first-class outings for the county.

The 25-year-old earned his maiden England cap in January 2021, going on score 551 runs in 11 Tests.

Lawrence has scored a further 1,726 runs at a strike rate of 143.23 in 77 T20 Blast outings for the Eagles and 670 runs in 27 List A outings. He has also picked up 39 white-ball wickets.

^{Lawrence has 11 Test caps for England [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

Commenting on the move, Lawrence said: "It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving Essex at the end of this season. Essex is the county who taught me how to play the game, developed me as a person and allowed me to play the sport I love professionally.

"I'm excited for the new challenges the 2024 season will bring when I take the field for my new team, Surrey.

"At this stage of my career, I believe a move to The Oval offers a new challenge and would hugely benefit my own ambitions. Whilst an incredibly difficult decision, it is one that I am taking to continue my development as a cricketer.

"Surrey are an incredible club and I am really looking forward to joining up with Gareth, Rory and my new teammates, and helping to bring further success to south London."

^{Lawrence has plenty to offer in white-ball cricket [Alex Pantling/Getty Images]}

Surrey's director of cricket, Alec Stewart, spoke of his long-held admiration for Lawrence, stating: "I first saw Dan play as a 17-year-old when he scored 161 against us in just his second first-class game, and it was obvious he had the potential to become a very special player.

"So, when a player of his calibre becomes available, the opportunity to bring him to the club was something I was exceptionally keen to try and make happen.

"After just a couple of conversations it was apparent, he wants to fulfil his ambitions of being the very best player he can be and become an England regular in all formats. He felt making this tough cricket decision and moving to the Kia Oval would help and we will do all we can to support his aims.

"With the fast-changing landscape of the game, Dan adds genuine strength and depth to the Surrey squad and we look forward to seeing him show off his all-round skills over the coming years."

Essex head coach, Anthony McGrath, added: "Dan has expressed his desire to move to Surrey which we accept after turning down our contract offer. He has been an important part of our achievements in recent years, and we are all proud of his progression to the international stage, which includes the opportunity to play in the Ashes this summer.

"He is an exemplar of the success that Essex’s Academy has had in producing homegrown cricketers who go on to represent their club and country.

"Dan still has a role to play in the remainder of the season as we strive for silverware across all formats. He is dedicated to working towards our aims this season as a club and will still be available for selection around his other commitments."