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Kabir committed as Davies quits

Image: Kabir: concerned about Worcestershire's future

Kabir Ali has pledged his future to Worcestershire despite "very concerned" that three of the county's star players look set to leave.

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New Road exodus concerns seam bowler

Kabir Ali has pledged his future to Worcestershire despite being "very concerned" that a trio of star performers look set to leave the county. Wicketkeeper Steve Davies has already informed the club he will not be renewing his contract, while England one-day spinner Gareth Batty and England Lions opener Stephen Moore appear likely to move from New Road at the end of the season. Surrey have been strongly linked with Batty and Davies, while Moore is understood to be attracting interest from Warwickshire. Batty, who is also on Warwickshire's radar, has asked permission to speak to other counties and Davies has declined to sign a new three-year deal. Moore has a get-out clause in the three-year agreement he signed last summer when he was coveted by at least a dozen counties after finishing as the highest run scorer in the country. "Leaving hasn't crossed my mind," said Kabir, who was Worcestershire's leading bowler with 59 wickets in 2008 and has just over a year left to run on his contract. "I have been here for 10 years and I enjoy playing at Worcestershire. "I am very concerned, though, that some of our big-name players are thinking of leaving. How do you replace those players? It is not going to be easy.

Davies leaving New Road

"I can't comment on what these guys are doing or why they want to leave, except to say it is a great shame." Davies is expected to join Surrey, who gave Worcestershire 28 days notice to speak to the player earlier in the season, after turning down a new three-year deal in July. "Having been involved with Steve's development since the age of 11, I am quite naturally disappointed he won't be part of the club's plans in the immediate future," said director of cricket Steve Rhodes. "However, the most important thing is the club must move forward and we will be searching for a suitable replacement. "We respect his decision and hope that he has a very successful cricketing career with his new county and with England. "He will always be welcome at New Road and will remain an integral part of our plans for the remainder of the season."

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