RYAN ten Doeschate is leaving Essex before the end of the season to play in the 2013 Champions League T20 tournament.

Ten Doeschate will link up with New Zealand side Otago Volts for the competition, which began today in India.

Ravi Bopara’s return to Essex following ODI duty with England against Australia and Tom Westley’s comeback from injury has allowed ten Doeschate to join Otago.

“I’m excited to be playing in the Champions League and the chance to play came about due to the return of Ravi to the side as well as the small chance of getting promoted,” said ten Doescate.

“The batsmen have done well, which has allowed me to leave and allow the team to complete the remaining games of the season with a settled batting line-up.

“I will be following the scores closely and hopefully we can still have that chance going into the final match of getting promotion from Division 2.”

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said ten Doeschate had enquired about the possibility of playing for Otago.

“After discussions with the club’s Cricket Committee, we decided to allow this to happen because we now have two quality batsmen to come in and replace him in Bopara and Westley,” Grayson added.

“We wish Ryan the best of luck in the competition.”

Bopara is playing in Essex’s current County Championship match against Glamorgan at Chelmsford.

Westley suffered a finger injury but has recovered and is available for selection for Essex’s final championship match away to Hampshire next week.