Thomas leaves Glamorgan after 15 years © Getty Images Enlarge

Essex have signed Darren Thomas on a one-year deal, ending his 15-year association with Glamorgan

Thomas made his debut in 1992 when, aged just 17, he took 5 for 80 against Derbyshire at Chesterfield. A promising young bowler, he was an instrumental force in helping Glamorgan winning the Championship title in 1997 and, in all, has taken 504 first-class wickets.

"I'm sad to be leaving Glamorgan because they have been part of my life for 15 years," Thomas told Essex's website, "but things change and when one door closes another opens. I've now come to Essex to further my cricket career. They have had a lot of success recently so I'm hoping to help them win more silverware in the future.

"This is an opportunity I didn't realise would come around. When I played against Essex for Glamorgan it was always massively competitive so I'm over the moon to now be joining them. I get on well with Ronnie Irani and have had quite a lot of success against them in the past, which I hope to now bring to Essex."

Thomas has had success against Irani, too; in the NatWest Trophy semi-final in 1997 Thomas punched the air in delight after dismissing Irani. Unfortunately, the batsman walked straight into the bowler's euphoric thump.

"When a cricketer like Darren Thomas becomes available during the transfer window it is an opportunity not to be missed," Irani said. "Darren has a fantastic track record in both forms of the game, has over 500 first-class wickets and played a major part in Glamorgan's Championship season in 1997. As has been seen, our bowling performances have let us down at times so Darren's arrival will strengthen us."