Essex County Cricket Club has secured the services of senior Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav for the final three matches of the ongoing County Championship season. The 35-year-old, who represented Middlesex in the previous season, had taken four wickets at an average of 71.50 in three Championship games.

However, Yadav’s stint was cut short last season due to a quad injury sustained during a game against Gloucestershire in the One-Day Cup. Now, he is set to replace New Zealand’s Doug Bracewell in the Essex squad. He will become the second overseas player alongside Simon Harmer. Yadav is anticipated to feature in Essex’s home games against his former club Middlesex, as well as Hampshire, along with the away match against Northamptonshire.

Umesh Yadav expressed his excitement about joining Essex and contributing to the team’s success. Reflecting on his time with Middlesex, he shared his anticipation of playing in English conditions again.

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“I am really pleased to join Essex and make what I hope will be some valuable contributions to the team’s success this year. I enjoyed playing in England with Middlesex last season, and it will be good to return and test myself in those conditions again, especially in the midst of a title race,” Umesh Yadav commented, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.

🗣 “Pleased to join the Club!”

🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) August 24, 2023

With 288 international wickets for India across 57 Tests, 75 ODIs, and nine T20Is, Yadav brings considerable experience to the table. His last competitive appearance was in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in London, where India suffered a 209-run defeat.

Essex’s head coach, Anthony McGrath, expressed his satisfaction with Yadav’s signing, expressing hope that the seasoned bowler would bolster their attack in the upcoming matches.

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“Umesh is a superb signing for us, and we all know what he will be able to bring to our attack at a crucial time of the season. He is vastly experienced and has taken wickets at the top levels of the game for more than a decade now, so as well as contributing during our run-in, we hope he can pass on some of his wisdom to our young players too,” Glenn McGrath stated.