Sussex have agreed to terminate Chris Adams’, playing contract, paving the way for him to become Surrey’s new cricket manager.

Adams has been offered a three-year deal at The Oval and, although Surrey have yet to confirm his appointment, it could happen by the end of this week.

Adams had a year left on his Sussex contract and chairman Jim May said: “I have had discussions with Chris about him terminating his playing contract which we agreed to and he goes with our blessing and best wishes.”

Surrey would only confirm that their recruitment process is ongoing.

Director of cricket Gus Mackay said: “To find the right person a thorough recruitment process was undertaken and discussions have taken place with a number of potential candidates.”

Meanwhile, England skipper Kevin Pietersen has backed Matt Prior to get back among the runs.

The Sussex wicketkeeper-batsman returns to Test duty against India in the opening Test in Chennai, starting today.

Asked about the decision to recall Prior, who struggled for runs during the one-day series last month, Pietersen said: “I think Matty gives us a much better option with the bat.

“I’m really keen on his batting and I think he has improved tremendously with his keeping so it’s about time he gets a run.

“The one-day series was a tough tour for everybody. The four weeks we were out here was pretty tough and he is not the only one who has lost a bit of confidence over the last month.”