Chris Wright signs for Essex

Chris Wright, a fast-medium bowler, has signed a two-year deal to play for Essex. Wright, 22, was contracted with Middlesex but, with his deal due to expire, he was given permission to talk to other counties.

Wright made his first-team debut for Middlesex in 2004 and has so far played in 18 first-class matches, taking 23 wickets and scoring 444 runs, along with 23 one-day games.

"The main thing that has struck me about Essex, as an opponent, is their attitude," Wright told the Essex CCC website. "They seem to have a young, highly ambitious squad. The likes of Tim Phillips, Mark Pettini, Varun Chopra etc have all come through the ranks and been given good opportunity to establish themselves. That reflects in the way they play their cricket with everyone working well together on the field. I'm excited."

Essex's coach Paul Grayson was pleased with the acquisition. "Chris has had a lack of opportunities at Middlesex but he is a young bowler who has impressed me when I've seen him play for Middlesex 2nd XI and Cambridge UCCE.

"He swings the ball out at medium-lively pace and we think we can help him progress his career here. As he also bats a bit down the order we think he will be a good addition to the squad."

The club is also looking to add one or two more players to their squad.