RAVI Bopara is to leave Essex after failing to agree a new contract.

The 34-year-old all rounder has been at the County Ground for the past 18 years.

And club captain Ryan ten Doeschate is sad to see Bopara departing. 

 “I speak for the team when I say we are very sad to see Rav leave the club after 18 years, "said ten Doeschate.

“Rav has always been extremely popular in the dressing room, combining unbelievable talent, skill, hard work, and a great cricket mind with a friendly, witty and comical demeanour.

“He’s been a great teammate and a fiercely loyal friend.

"I’m so pleased that he leaves on a high after playing the key role in the club winning our first T20 title.

"It will be strange to play against him next year, but we wish him all the very best at his new club.”

It is believed Bopara will now be joining Sussex.