JON LEWIS wants to end his 17-year career at Gloucestershire on a high after agreeing to join Surrey at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old will move to The Oval on a two-year deal as Gloucestershire were unable to offer him a contract until next season’s budget is finalised, which will be dependant on the decision made by Bristol County Council in September on plans to redevelop the County Ground.

Lewis was a member of the Gloucestershire side that dominated one-day cricket between 1999 and 2004 when they won seven trophies, and he also captained the side for three years.

He has continued to be a key player for the club this season, leading a young and inexperienced seam attack, and is the club’s leading wicket taker in the County Championship with 46 scalps to his name at an average of 21.63.

Having helped Gloucestershire into a position of strength in Division Two, Lewis is hoping to win promotion in his final year with the club.

“Nothing would please me more than to go out on a real high,” said Lewis.

“There is a big chunk of this season left and I have spoken to my Gloucestershire team-mates, making it clear that I remain totally committed to getting the club into the top division of the Championship.”

“I have always been wholehearted in my performances and that will not change. I will remain totally committed to the team until the end of the season and to winning promotion.”

Lewis’ decision to join Surrey has increased fears amongst supporters that fellow senior players Chris Taylor and Hamish Marshall will move on as they are free to talk to other clubs with their contracts also due to expire at the end of the season.

However, Gloucestershire have denied rumours that local rivals Somerset have made an approach for Taylor, the club’s highest run scorer this season.

Lewis made his first-class debut back in 1995, since going on to make 222 first class appearances plus 212 in List A cricket and 56 in the Twenty20 format.

He boasts an outstanding record in first-class cricket with more than 770 wickets and more than 4,000 runs and played in one Test Match for England against Sri Lanka in 2006, along with 13 one-day international and two T20 international appearances.

Lewis added: “I have had some wonderful times with Gloucestershire, been privileged to captain the club, play with many fantastic players and enjoy terrific backing from the supporters over 17 seasons, which have brought many highlights.

“I am very grateful for all the opportunities the club have given me.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell added: “Jon was one of the players involved at the start of an era that stands out in Gloucestershire’s history and went on from there to captain the club and represent England both in Test cricket and at a World Cup.

“His contribution both as a player and latterly as a mentor to the young players at Gloucestershire is immeasurable.”

Skipper Alex Gidman added: “Jon has been an amazing servant to the club.

“He has performed incredibly well for us over a long period, setting a great example to all around him, and will leave a large hole to fill.”

* Pace bowler James Fuller has been disciplined for breaking Gloucestershire’s code of conduct. He was left out of the CB40 game against Lancashire at Cheltenham as a result and will also miss the return game at Old Trafford on Friday.