Former Essex captain Paul Prichard has decided to leave the county at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has scored more than 16,600 first-class runs since his first team debut in 1984, and led the team to victory in the 1997 NatWest Trophy final and the 1998 B&H Cup.

He told the club's official website: "I have had an excellent time at Essex, and it was a privilege to play with some exceptional players in my years with the club.

"However, I feel the time is now right to pursue my career elsewhere, either in a playing or coaching capacity."

Prichard's best ever season came in 1992 when he scored 1,485 runs and earned selection for the England A team's winter tour to Australia.

Despite that, he never graduated to senior international level.

He has struggled for form this season with just 90 runs in 10 innings in County Championship Division One and has been replaced by recently signed youngster Richard Clinton.