Wednesday 7 December 2016 10:44, UK
Essex have signed New Zealand seamer Neil Wagner for the first half of the 2017 season.
The 30-year-old, who spent last season with Lancashire, will be available for the Royal London One-Day Cup and Specsavers County Championship until the end of June.
The left-armer took 32 wickets at an average of 29.28 during his spell at Emirates Old Trafford, and has claimed 108 scalps at 28.67 for the Black Caps in his 27 Test appearances.
Wagner said: "I really enjoyed my time in England with Lancashire last season, but I am excited about linking up with Essex and building on the team's success in 2016."
Essex head coach Chris Silverwood is pleased to have signed a seasoned campaigner as the club prepare for their return to the top flight after winning Division Two of the County Championship last season.
"Neil will bring vast experience at the highest level to the club, as well as a skill set that will be valuable in the opening months of the season," said Silverwood.
"He performed excellently for Lancashire last year and is also useful with the bat lower down the order. Hopefully he can help us hit the ground running in 2017."
