Essex Sign Chris Martin As Kaneria Replacement

Essex have announced the signing of New Zealand fast bowler Chris Martin as early-season cover for Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

Kaneria is unavailable due to his selection in the RBS Pentangular One-Day Cup in Pakistan, which concludes on the 29th April. As England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regulations stipulate that overseas players must be registered for a period of at least 21 days, Martin will be with Essex until 7th May.

Martin has been given permission to play for Essex by New Zealand Cricket and subject to his visa being obtained, he will be available for the LV= County Championship Division One clash with Lancashire which begins on 21st April.

Martin, who enjoyed a spell with Warwickshire in 2008, has played 56 Tests for New Zealand, taking 181 wickets as well as appearing in 20 One-Day Internationals and six Twenty20 Internationals for his country.

“We are delighted that Chris will be joining us," Head Coach Paul Grayson said. "He is a top-class bowler and is keen to play county championship cricket. Chris will be a good replacement in this interim period and we look forward to welcoming him to Essex ahead of the Lancashire game.”

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