Masters is an accurate seamer with subtle changes of pace

Essex have secured the services of Leicestershire fast bowler David Masters on a three-year contract.

The 29-year-old began his career at Kent, where his father Kevin played, before joining the Foxes in 2003.

He has taken 229 first-class wickets, 71 in the one-day game and has become a Twenty20 expert with 30 victims.

"I'm very excited about the prospect of playing at Essex," he said. "They're a massive club. I'm at my peak so I think Essex have got me at the perfect time."

Masters enjoyed his best first-class figures in his maiden season with Kent in 2000, when he took 6-27 against Durham at Tunbridge Wells, and was Leicestershire's player of the season in 2005.

"It's always hard coming to a new county," he said. "I'll probably need a little bit of time to get into it but I know my game now and I'm pretty sure I'll do well."

Signing a quality opening bowler was an absolute priority for us Essex chief executive David East on Masters

New skipper Mark Pettini explained that Masters was a player that had interested them for some time.

"I faced him here at Chelmsford last year," said Pettini. "And I've seen his record, so I know what he can offer us as a bowler."

Essex chief executive David East added: "Signing a quality opening bowler was an absolute priority for us for 2008.

"We have got some terrific young bowlers coming through our system, but David offers us the great combination of ability and experience straight away."

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