Hampshire paceman David Balcombe has re-joined Surrey on a two-year deal.
The 29-year-old, a product of the Surrey Academy, played only four times during Hampshire’s LV= County Championship promotion-winning campaign this season.
Balcombe made his Hampshire debut in April 2006 and took 196 wickets in 67 first-class matches for the county.
Balcombe, who struck an unbeaten 65 from number 10 in a last-wicket stand of 115 with James Tomlinson during his final four-day appearance for Hampshire, said: “It was a tough decision to make, but I think it’s in the best interests of my career to start a fresh chapter elsewhere.
“I will always hold fond memories of the club who gave me my first chance in the professional game and I’ll always be proud to have played for Hampshire.”
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “We are pleased to announce the signing of David Balcombe.
WATCH @StewieCricket chatting to Church about the signing of @DavidBalcombe1http://t.co/7k5AkRrpvN
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 29, 2014
“He is a bowler who came through the Surrey system and he will add depth and experience to our squad and we welcome him back to the Kia Oval.”
Meanwhile, Hampshire have also announced the departures of seamer Ruel Brathwaite and wicketkeeper Michael Bates, who was part of the side that won the Friends Life t20 and Clydesdale Bank 40 in 2012.
Director of Cricket Giles White said: “It is always sad to part company with players at this time of the year. They have all been outstanding professionals and extremely popular members of the squad.
“On behalf of everyone at Hampshire, we thank them for their contribution and wish them well for the future."
Off-spinner Brad Taylor and seamer Basil Akram have both penned signed development contracts at the Ageas Bowl.
Taylor, an England Under-19 international, became the youngest Hampshire player to appear in the first team since 1867 last term while the 21-year-old Akram made his List-A debut against Yorkshire Vikings in August following a number of fine performances in the second XI.