Leicestershire sign Middlesex batter Eskinazi

Stephen Eskinazi has appeared for Middlesex 17 times this year across all formats

Leicestershire have signed batter Stephen Eskinazi from Middlesex on a three-year contract.

The 31-year-old right-hander becomes the Foxes' third arrival this week after the signings of wicketkeeper Jonny Tattersall and seamer Josh Davey.

Eskinazi initially joins Division Two leaders Leicestershire on a loan deal for their final three County Championship matches of the season before becoming a permanent member of the squad on 1 November.

The Johannesburg-born opener, who grew up in Australia, moved to Lord's in 2013, going on to make his first-class debut for Middlesex two years later.

He leaves after 12 years with the club, having hit 16 centuries, and amassing 9,612 runs in his career so far.

"To be able to represent, lead and win silverware for one of the most iconic domestic teams in world cricket has been the honour and privilege of my career," Eskinazi told the Middlesex website.

Until last month, Eskinazi was Middlesex's T20 captain but stepped down for personal reasons and was replaced in the role by Leus du Plooy.

Against Hampshire in the Vitality T20 Blast in July, Eskinazi blasted 94 off just 48 balls and he is currently competing in The Hundred with franchise side Welsh Fire.

"Having closely watched the way the club has operated in recent years, I'm unbelievably excited to be a part of the next chapter of Leicestershire's journey," Eskinazi told the club website.

"I have an extremely strong relationship with many members of the dressing room already, and I knew this was an opportunity to join something special on and off the field."