Wright signs permanent deal with Warwickshire

Fast bowler Chris Wright has made his move to Warwickshire permanent, signing a full-time contract with the county. He had spent some time with them last season, on loan from Essex, and enjoyed some success with the ball as Warwickshire fell agonisingly short of clinching the County Championship Division One title.

"Chris made a tremendous impact during his short time in our bowling attack," said director of cricket Ashley Giles. "His five-wicket hauls against Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire were crucial in our late-season charge.

"Finishing as runner-up in the 2011 County Championship was a great achievement for this team, despite the final day heartache against Hampshire. However, that experience and signing of a player of Chris' calibre will make us a stronger unit in 2012."

Wright, 26, claimed 22 wickets in four matches at an average of 24.31 in his part-time spell with Warwickshire last summer, having joined them on a one-month loan in August before his contract with Essex expired.

Taking the new ball, he played a crucial role in Warwickshire's ascent to the top of the Championship table, his five-wicket haul against Nottinghamshire at Edgbaston putting the county in pole position going into the final week of the season before Lancashire squeezed past them in a dramatic finale.