Essex sign India seamer Thakur on seven-game deal

Shardul Thakur played the last of his 11 Tests against South Africa in December 2023 and has taken 31 wickets at an average of 28.38

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.

"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."

Thakur has taken 296 wickets in his first-class career at an average of 27.26 and also scored two centuries and 15 half-centuries with the bat.

He will be available for Essex's opening Championship match of the summer against champions Surrey at Chelmsford on 4 April as well as games at Nottinghamshire and home against Worcestershire that month.

Thakur will complete his stint in May with a trip to Somerset and at home to Yorkshire, before the returns with Worcestershire at New Road and Surrey at The Kia Oval.