Flower will join the Essex squad for their pre-season tour

Andy Flower has committed himself to Essex for the whole of the 2003 season after retiring from international cricket.

The batsman/wicket-keeper will join the county for part of their pre-season tour to Cape Town and will also be available for their opening first-class match against Cambridge University on 12 April.

Essex chief executive David East said: "We agreed with Andy for him to return as our senior overseas player during the 2003 season once his Zimbabwe cricket commitments were finished.

"Andy announced his retirement from international cricket last week which means that he is now available for all our domestic season.

"This is a huge bonus for the club, and we look forward to welcoming him back in a few week's time."

Flower was at the centre of controversy during the Cricket World Cup when he and teammate Henry Olonga issued a statement protesting against the policies of the Zimbabwe government.

They also wore black armbands which they said symbolised mourning for "the death of democracy".

He had a successful season for Essex last summer, scoring 1,048 Championship runs at an average of 52.4. and more than 900 in one-day cricket.