YORKSHIRE have confirmed that Jack Brooks has accepted a three-year deal with Somerset and will leave at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old seamer, who is in the final year of his contract with the White Rose, will join up with the Taunton-based side after the conclusion of the 2018 season.

In the six years since joining Yorkshire, Brooks has contributed to a hugely successful period which saw the White Rose claim two County Championship trophies and fall just short of a third successive title in 2016. The Oxford-born bowler took over 60 wickets in each of those years.

The self-styled head band warrior has taken a total of 291 first-class wickets for the White Rose to date at a stellar average of just 26.56. Known for his lower-order hitting with bat in hand, Brooks notched up a maiden first-class century against Roses rivals Lancashire at Old Trafford in 2017.

Director of cricket Martyn Moxon said: “We are very disappointed to be losing Jack. He’s been a fantastic servant for us over the last six years and a very popular member of the team, as well as being popular with our members.

“However, we made him the best offer that we could under the circumstances and we fully understand his reasons for taking up the offer from Somerset.

“We wish Jack well for the future.”

During his tenure with the White Rose, Brooks’ on-field contributions earned him a call-up to the England Lions. Although the seamer never broke into the full England team, his influence has been ever-present.

Known for his enthusiastic celebrations, Brooks has taken 132 wickets at Emerald Headingley at an average of 22.09.

“With a genuine tear in my eye and heavy heart I will leave Yorkshire at the end of the season,“ Brooks told yorkshireccc.com. “It’s been a rather surreal journey, I’ve had some incredible times here and made some lifelong close friends.

“If I’m remembered at all for representing the club with a smile on my face, some passion and being a small cog in a well-oiled Yorkshire Cricket machine during our back to back Championships in 2014 and 2015 then that’s good enough for me.

“Since joining I never imagined I’d leave by my own choice. However, all good things come to an end and Somerset have offered me a new and very exciting opportunity which, after extremely careful consideration, I have accepted.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved at the club who have made this Oxfordshire villager's time at Headingley and Scarborough so enjoyable both on and off the pitch, and also so very welcoming to my family.

“I will be giving my all for the rest of the season and hope to contribute some more match-winning performances to the team and keep us in Division One.

“Thank you to all the fantastic supporters who have been so kind to me and taken me as one of your own for the past six years, it really does mean a huge amount to me.

“I’m sure there will be some emotional goodbyes at the end of the season but for now I just want to crack on with my cricket and do my best for the team.”