PEARS pace ace Pat Brown will join Derbyshire at the end of the season on a three-year contract and become the third academy graduate to leave New Road.
Brown, 24, follows Josh Tongue and Dillon Pennington who will join Nottinghamshire at the end of the campaign in moving away from Worcestershire.
The departures, allied to the retirement of Charlie Morris, have depleted the Pears pace bowling stock amid rumours more players will leave the club at the end of their contracts.
Brown, who will be 25 next month, is in the final year of his current contract at New Road.
Having been discovered at a Pace Factor Open Day at Wellington School, Brown joined Worcestershire and was also presented with a cricket scholarship at the University of Worcester, where he successfully pursued a business management degree.
Brown’s notable achievements include claiming 31 wickets and an instrumental role in Worcestershire Rapids’ triumph in the 2018 Vitality Blast and adding a further 24 wickets this summer.
Following the Rapids finishing as runners-up in the 2019 Vitality Blast, Brown then went on to make his England debut that winter. He was also part of the 2017 County Championship Division Two winning side.
“I will be forever grateful to Worcestershire for providing me with the opportunities, from the age of 17, that have shaped me into the cricketer and person I am today,” he said.
“There have been so many amazing times playing for Worcestershire throughout my seven years as a professional, an obvious highlight being the 2018 Vitality Blast triumph.
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of my teammates, coaches, support staff and members for their unwavering support throughout my time at the club.
“It is with a heavy heart I have taken the decision to leave, but New Road and Worcestershire has forever left its mark on me.
“I wish the club and everyone involved every success in the future.”
Ashley Giles, Worcestershire CCC Chief Executive, added: “Pat made an enormous contribution to Worcestershire’s victory in the Vitality Blast five years ago, and that will forever be etched in our supporters’ memories.
“We extend our sincerest best wishes to Pat as he embarks on his future endeavours.”