Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson joins Essex on loan

Dawson will be available to play in all formats for Essex

Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson has joined Essex in a one-month loan deal.

The 25-year old, who has made seven County Championship appearances for Hampshire this season, will be available to play in all formats.

Hampshire coach Dale Benkenstein told BBC Radio Solent on Tuesday that Dawson needed to find some form and improve his first-class batting average.

"This is an excellent opportunity for me to play first-team cricket in all formats," Dawson said.

He has not played any T20 Blast matches for Hampshire this season and was dropped from the side which lost against Middlesex in the Championship at Lord's earlier this week.

"Essex are a decent side and they have got some very good players," added Dawson, who also bowls left-arm spin.

"This is the best option for me at this time and I'm very thankful to Essex for taking me for the next month."

Last July, he signed a two-year contract extension with Hampshire, keeping him at the Ageas Bowl until the end of the 2017 season.