WICKETKEEPER-batsman Steven Davies has signed for Somerset County Cricket Club.

The 30-year-old, who has spent the last six seasons at Surrey, has joined the club on a three-year contract and will be available to play all formats of the game.

A left-handed batsman with England honours, Davies played in eight ODIs between 2009 and 2011, scoring 244 runs at an average of 30.50 with a top score of 87. He has also appeared in five IT20’s.

Davies said: “I am really pleased to be joining Somerset next year. They are a strong club across all formats and I hope to fully contribute in the seasons to come.

"I have made no secret of my desire to play for England again and I hope that a new challenge along with a return to wicket-keeping will help kick my career onto the next level.

“I would also just like to thank Surrey CCC for all their help and support over the last six years and wish them well in the future.”

In his 182 First Class matches, he has scored 10,878 runs with an impressive average of 40.43 and a top score of 200*.

He has also amassed 21 centuries and 50 half centuries during his career which has spanned nine seasons to date.

In the shorter format, Davies is known for his explosive hitting at the top of the order.

In T20 cricket he has an exciting strike rate of 141 with an average of 22.17 and a top score of 99*.

In List A matches, Steven’s record is equally impressive. He has played 169 matches, scoring 5,436 runs at an average of 37.75 with 9 centuries and 34 half centuries to date.

In recent seasons, Steven chose to play as a specialist batsman. However at the start of the 2016 campaign, he expressed the wish to return to the gloves with an eye on reviving his England career.

He will therefore provide Somerset with another wicket keeping option moving forward.

Director of cricket at Somerset, Matt Maynard, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure the signing of Steven Davies.

"He is a player of high class and will add to the considerable talent we have at Somerset.

"Steven still harbours ambitions of playing for England and we will all work hard to support him.”