Saggers joins Essex on loan

Former England seamer Martin Saggers has been signed on loan by Essex for one month. He will move from Kent straight away.

Essex have signed Saggers as they face a mounting injury crisis. Maurice Chambers, Andrew McGarry and Mervyn Westfield all likely to miss much of the remainder of the summer, while Alex Tudor (abdominal strain) and Darren Thomas (shoulder) are continuing to work their way back to fitness in the 2nd XI.

Saggers won three England caps in 2003-04, taking seven wickets at 35.28. However, he played only two first-class matches in 2006 and this season has only appeared in one Friends Provident game.

"We are delighted that Martin will be joining us on loan from Kent," Essex chief executive David East said. "We have a serious injury problem with our bowlers at the moment. Martin is a very experienced player who will help us significantly in the next few weeks."