Flower has spent two years as Essex's overseas star

County sides are permitted just two overseas signings.

But Flower holds a British passport as his wife is from the UK, allowing him to sidestep the ruling.

"We are delighted he has signed a two-year contract with us," said Essex chief executive David East.

"He has a British Passport and will play in Essex as a local player, which obviously enables us to keep our second overseas player option open."

Fast bowler Scott Brant, a former Zimbabwe citizen now living in Australia, will take up one of the overseas slots next season.

Flower retired from international cricket after the World Cup, during which he protested against the regime of President Robert Mugabe by wearing a black armband.

He appeared in 63 Tests, captaining 20, and averaging 51.54 with the bat.

The 35-year old regularly kept wicket at international level and does the job for Essex when James Foster is unavailable.

He is the latest player to take advantage of England and Wales Cricket Board qualification rules that were relaxed because of the threat of legal action two years ago.

Former New Zealand opener Craig Spearman and South Africa wicket-keeper Nic Pothas are two of the highest profile players to have taken advantage of the loophole.

However, they would need to appear as domestic players for five years in order to qualify for England.