PHIL Mustard is to leave Durham at the end of the season, saying: “It's time for me to take up a new challenge with a different club.”

There has been interest from other counties in the 33-year-old wicketkeeper since he lost his place in the four-day team early last season.

He finished the campaign on loan to Lancashire but was still under contract to Durham for his benefit season this year.

He has been resigned to leaving for some time, partly because Durham cannot afford to keep paying him an ex-captain's salary.

He also wants to play more four-day cricket. It is difficult to see a division one club offering him that guarantee, although Somerset have struggled for a wicketkeeper since the days when they could choose between Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter.

Mustard remains a formidable one-day opener, but when coach Jon Lewis was asked if he would press for him to be offered a limited overs contract he said: “I'm not sure that would be attractive to him.”

While Michael Richardson continues as the four-day wicketkeeper, Durham could not afford the luxury of retaining both Mustard and Stuart Poynter.

Currently playing for Ireland in the one-day series against Afghanistan, Poynter has yet to make his championship debut.

Chief executive David Harker said: “Phil has been a fantastic servant during his 16 years with the club. He embodies competitive spirit, loyalty and skill and will be greatly missed by everyone at Durham.”

Mustard said: “I have been part of Durham's most successful years and I wish them many more.”