Shah made his Middlesex debut in 1995

Owais Shah has signed a two-year contract with Essex following his release by Middlesex.

The 32-year-old who has played 71 one-day internationals and six Tests hopes the move to Chelmsford will revive his England career.

He said: "I'm still passionate about representing England and believe by playing my cricket at Essex I will have every chance of achieving that."

Shah last played for England against Australia in October 2009.

He spent 16 years at Lord's during which time he scored 20,000 runs in all forms of the game.

Shah, who is currently playing in South Africa, added: "I'm thrilled at the prospect of becoming an Essex player and I'm looking forward to joining up with the squad and the coaching staff.

"This is an exciting new start for me and a wonderful opportunity to show everyone at Essex what I'm capable of.

"I believe that, at 32, I'm at my peak as a cricketer and still have an enormous amount to offer in all forms of the game."

Essex coach Paul Grayson said: "Owais is the sort of high-quality batsman that we have lacked since Ronnie Irani and Andy Flower retired.

"He's probably one of the top three batsmen not currently playing international cricket alongside Mark Ramprakash and Marcus Trescothick.

"It's a fresh challenge having been with one club for so long. Hopefully we can help him get his England place back which is what he tells us he wants."

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