Shardul Thakur: India seamer signs seven-game Essex deal

Essex have signed India fast bowler Shardul Thakur to play in the first seven matches of this season’s County Championship.

The 33-year-old has played 83 times for India, including 11 Test matches and 72 white-ball internationals.

He has also won the Indian Premier League twice with Chennai Super Kings.

“I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer,” Thakur told the club website., external

“Personally it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills.

“County cricket is something I always wanted to experience and I am glad that I’ll be representing the Eagles.”

Returning director of cricket Chris Silverwood said the club were “absolutely thrilled” to get the deal for Thakur, who is also a handy lower-order batter, done.

“We were very clear amongst ourselves that a high-quality quick bowler, with lower-order batting ability, was a key target this winter,” Silverwood, who guided Essex to the County Championship title in his first spell in charge of the first team in 2017, said.

“In Shardul, we have signed just that, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Essex and see how he gets on in the County Championship.”