Hardinges made his debut for Gloucestershire in 2001.

Essex have bolstered their Twenty20 Cup hopes by signing former Gloucestershire all-rounder Mark Hardinges.

He joins a squad likely to be without key players for some of the campaign.

England's Ravi Bopara, James Foster and Graham Napier, and Holland's Ryan ten Doeshate, are likely to be involved in the ICC World Twenty20.

Coach Paul Grayson told the club website: "We could have been left light and Mark brings experience as a consistent one-day performer."

He added: "His name became available and this was an opportunity we could not miss. He will make a good addition to the squad for the Twenty20 Cup."

Hardinges, 31, made 43 Twenty20 appearances for Gloucestershire before leaving at the end of last season.

Essex begin their campaign against Kent on 25 May.

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