 Nel claimed a wicket with his first ball in his first spell with Essex |
Essex have been given the go-ahead to complete the signing of paceman Andre Nel by the South Africa Cricket Board. The 29-year-old will now arrive in England at the start of May and will remain with Essex until mid-June.
Essex coach Graham Gooch told the Essex CCC website: "This is fantastic news for Essex. Andre is the sort of cricketer who leads from the front."
Upon his departure in June, Nel will be replaced by Australian Andy Bichel, who will stay with Essex until September.
And Gooch added: "Andre is a competitive and combative individual who fits well into our dressing room and will dovetail nicely with Andy Bichel as one of our overseas players this season."
 | It is great to be welcoming back such a world-class performer Chief executive David East |
Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria is contracted to the county for the whole season, subject to international commitments.
Nel, who played for Essex in 2005, is due to play for the Proteas is the semi-finals of the World Cup next week and has taken 84 wickets in 61 one-day internationals to go with 97 wickets in 27 Test appearances.
Essex chief executive David East added: "It is great to be welcoming back such a world-class performer.
"Andre slotted into our dressing room brilliantly in 2005 and I am sure that his enthusiasm, energy and undoubted talent will make a huge difference to our early season campaign."
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