ADAM Wheater, Hampshire's leading run scorer in the Specsavers County Championship this season, is understood to have played his last game for Hampshire after being loaned back to Essex until the end of the season.

The 26-year old, frustrated at being replaced as Hampshire's wicketkeeper by Lewis McManus four years after leaving Essex to keep wicket, is enjoying the best season of his career with the bat (802 Championship runs at 47).

But, as revealed in today's Daily Echo, Essex are keen to re-sign Wheater for what will surely be their first season back in the Championship's first division so his move back to Chelmsford is expected to become permanent.

Wheater said: "I’m looking forward to joining up with the guys at Essex for the final few weeks of this year’s four-day competition – this is a good opportunity for me to continue to grow as a player and I’m grateful to Hampshire and Essex for allowing me the chance to do so.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: "Adam has performed well for us this season however given the lack of opportunity as wicket-keeper he would like to explore other options and has therefore decided to join Essex on loan for the remainder of this season."

Essex coach Chris Silverwood, who is coming towards the end of an outstanding first season in the role, said: “It is good to have one of our own coming back to the club.

“Adam has a proven record with the bat and gloves at Division One level so he will be a valuable asset to us as the season reaches its climax.”

Wheater's move back to Chelmsford comes on the eve of Hampshire's penultimate home match of the season, against defending champions Yorkshire.

He will be replaced by Tom Alsop and, encouragingly, Vince will resume the captaincy

Hampshire squad v Yorkshire: Adams, Smith, Vince (capt), Ervine, McManus, McLaren, Alsop, Wheal, Berg, Wainwright, Crane, Andrew, Carter.