Northants will be Peters' third club

He has agreed a two-year contract after being given permission to speak to other counties by Worcestershire.

"We felt we needed someone with experience to help us with the opening position," chief executive Mark Tagg told BBC Sport.

Peters is the club's second signing this week, following the recruitment of South African Lance Klusener.

The 26-year-old has scored more than 5,000 first-class runs during his career, which he began as a teenager with Essex in 1996.

He moved on to Worcestershire three years ago but lost his place in the first team mid-way through last summer.

"I know it is a clich� but at this stage in my career I need a fresh challenge," Peters told the Northants website.

"I am looking forward in particular to learning from Kepler (Wessels) and further developing my technique as an opening bat. I believe that I have plenty to offer the club and its supporters."

Peters acted as a substitute fielder for England during the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford in August and almost ran out Brett Lee in the final session before the game ended in a draw.