COLCHESTER'S Ben Allison says he needed to make the 'right decision' for his career after leaving Essex to join Worcestershire.

The 24-year-old bowling all-rounder will join Worcestershire on a permanent basis, from the start of the 2025 season.

Allison has played a combined 54 matches in all formats for Essex since making his first-team debut in September 2020 against Sussex Sharks, in the Vitality Blast.

Former Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club youngster Allison said: โ€œFirstly, I would like to thank everyone at the club for the fantastic memories.

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โ€œThe decision to leave has been incredibly difficult. I've been with the club since I was eight years old, and I love it here.

โ€œBut at the same time, I need to think about my career development, and right now, that means I need to be playing more cricket.

โ€œWhile itโ€™s a tough decision, I believe itโ€™s the right one for my career.

โ€œI am indebted to the many coaches I have worked with during my time at Essex and they have each played their part in my development so far.

(Image: TGS PHOTO)

โ€œIn particular, I owe a huge amount to Barry Hyam who has been instrumental in my career so far and has given me valuable support throughout my journey since under nines cricket.

โ€œLastly, I would like to thank the Members and supporters who have given me support whenever I have played.

โ€œI grew up supporting the club so to wear the shirt as a first team player has been a huge honour.โ€

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Allison came through Essexโ€™s Player Pathway and, other than short loan spells to Worcestershire and Gloucestershire where he made his first-class debut in 2019, he has spent his entire career with the Eagles.

He has taken 54 wickets for Essex, with a first-class innings best of 5/32, while as a lower-order batter, he has hit 513 runs with three red-ball 50s.

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Essex Director of Cricket Anthony McGrath, said: โ€œWeโ€™re obviously disappointed to lose a player of Benโ€™s calibre, especially as he is also a great member of the dressing room, but we understand his reasons for wanting to explore a new challenge elsewhere.

โ€œWe are grateful for his efforts in an Essex shirt across all formats of the game, and we wish him the best of luck for the future.โ€