Essex and Middlesex are believed to be competing to sign Dexter

Kent batsman Neil Dexter has played his last game for the county after rejecting a new contract.

The 24-year-old has failed to hold down a regular place in the Kent line up and has decided to look elsewhere.

The South African has played for the county for the last four seasons and was left out of the team for the match against Lancashire.

Coach Simon Willis told BBC Radio Kent: "It came as a surprise. We thought Neil was part of our side going forward."

He added: "He was given the opportunity to bat at three for the second half of the season.

"He's got his reasons. We have to move on and that is why we chose to go with the guys we've taken today."

Dexter spent two months on loan at Essex earlier in the summer and they face competition from Middlesex for his signature.