Nick Compton leaves Somerset by mutual consent

Ex-England Test match opener Nick Compton has cancelled his Somerset contract by mutual consent.

The 31-year-old only signed a new three-year deal with the county last season, but has decided to leave Taunton to relocate to his home in South-West London.

Compton has not revealed his next move, but former club Middlesex, where he spent eight years from 2001 to 2009 before switching to Somerset, are thought to be frontrunners.

He told reporters: "I have loved playing for Somerset but I have decided to relocate more permanently to my base in South-West London.

"I have always set myself the highest of professional standards, and I don't want to compromise myself or the club."

Compton scored 479 runs at an average of 31.93 over nine Tests for England, but has not played since May 2013.