Flower available for the whole season

Essex star overseas player Andy Flower has confirmed that he will be available to play for the County for all of the 2003 season. The Zimbabwean wicketkeeper batsman will join the Essex team for part of their pre-season tour to Cape Town, and be available for the opening first class match of the season against Cambridge University on 12th April.

Essex Chief Executive David East commented:
"We agreed with Andy for him to return as our senior overseas player during the 2003 season once his Zimbabwe cricket commitments were finished. Andy announced his retirement from international cricket last week which means that he is now available for all our domestic season. This is a huge bonus for the Club, and we look forward to welcoming him back in a few weeks time."