Tsotsobe signs for Essex

Essex have signed South African Lonwabo Tsotsobe as their overseas player for the first part of the 2011 county season.

Left-arm seamer looking forward to experiencing county cricket

Essex have signed South Africa paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe as their overseas player for the first part of the county season. The left-arm seamer, who was part of the Proteas' World Cup squad, should be available to make his debut against Middlesex next week. Tsotsobe has played in five Tests and 20 one-dayers for his country and his signing is a timely boost for Essex on the opening day of the 2011 campaign. "I am thrilled to be joining up with Essex and hope I can make a significant contribution for the county with the ball," said the bowler. "As this is my first experience of county cricket, I obviously can't wait to get started and I look forward to playing a part in regaining our Division One status." Head coach Paul Grayson believes the newest addition to his squad can offer a bit of variation to Essex's bowling attack for the first half of the summer. "Obviously we are delighted to get him in," he said. "He has come highly recommended by people we know, as a left-armer he offers variation and we hope he will make a big impact for the start of the season." The Eagles have already signed experienced New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris to be their overseas professional for the Friends Life t20 competition.