Adams to stay at Essex

Andre Adams has signed a new one-year contract which will keep him at Essex in 2006. This will be his third year at the club, after he joined in July 2004 on a temporary basis to replace Danish Kaneria. He had his first full season at Essex last year, helping them to win the National League Division One.

Adams, the New Zealand allrounder, has played 39 one-day internationals along with one Test match. He has two centuries to his name for Essex in the Championship, including one against Durham last season.

He should be able to play from the start of the season, subject to obtaining a work permit and formal approval from New Zealand's board.