Ward in action for Surrey this year

The opening batsman said he needed a fresh challenge and new motivation.

Ward, who won five Test caps against Pakistan and Australia in 2001, believes a move will help him revive his England career.

He said he was in talks with other counties and revealed he would like to captain a side.

Potentially I would like to captain a county but I am weighing up my options Ian Ward

Ward was left out of the Surrey side for Sunday's National League encounter with Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, where the Lions were hoping to secure the first division title.

And he insisted his departure was not acrimonious.

He said: "Surrey and I have decided to part company.

"I am desperate to resurrect my England career. I feel a move away with new ideas and new drive is what I need.

"I will definitely be playing cricket elsewhere next year but nothing has been finalised yet.

"Potentially I would like to captain a county but I am weighing up my options."

Ward has only ever played for Surrey. He spent a year with them in 1992 before being released.

The 30-year-old played minor and club cricket before Surrey took him on again and by 1999 he was a regular in the first team.

This season he has scored 856 runs at an average of 37.21.