Adams signs with Essex

Andre Adams is one of Essex's overseas players for 2005 © Getty Images

Andre Adams, the New Zealand allrounder, has signed a one-year contract with Essex for the 2005 summer as an overseas player, subject to the approval of the New Zealand board. He played for them in the second half of 2004, first replacing Danish Kaneria, the Pakistan legspinner, and later the Zimbabwean Scott Brant.

This year Kaneria and Adams fill the two overseas berths, though Grant and Andy Flower, who have together played more than 500 internationals for Zimbabwe, are in Essex's squad as Kolpak players. The Kolpak ruling, which has been in force since 2003, allows anyone with a work permit from a country with an associate trading agreement with the European Union to have the same rights as a European worker.

Adams, 29, plays for Auckland in New Zealand, has a highest first-class score of 124, and has taken five five-wicket hauls. "I am looking forward to coming back to Essex after a thoroughly enjoyable few months with the county last year," he said. "Hopefully I can make a full contribution to turning the club's fortunes around in 2005."

Ronnie Irani, the Essex captain, was also happy with the signing: "I am absolutely delighted about the re-signing of Andre Adams. He is a player who contributes in every department. He put in some great performances for us last season with both ball and bat as well as consistently awesome fielding displays. His attitude as a senior and overseas player was first class, while always willing to put himself out for others. We look forward to his contributions for a whole season this time."