Charl Willoughby will partner these Essex County Cricket players

Charl Willoughby signs a two-year contract

Essex have announced the signing of South African-born left-arm fast-medium bowler Charl Willoughby on a two-year contract.

Last season the 36-year-old played 15 matches for Somerset, taking 47 wickets at an average of 34.65.

“Essex made a concerted effort to come and meet me. Paul Grayson (Essex head coach) and myself had a long discussion and we discussed my aims and that of Essex,” Willoughby told the Essex website.

“The plan now is for these to come to fruition.

“I obviously have a lot of experience in the game and Paul Grayson wants a wise old head to help David Masters with the bowling attack.

“Essex have some promising youngsters coming through the ranks and I can certainly pass on some of my knowledge as a left-armer.”

Grayson was pleased to secure the signing of such an experienced player.

“I’m delighted with the signing of Charl. He is a very experienced bowler and someone we wanted to add to our ranks alongside David Masters and Graham Napier,” he said.

“He is a quality left-arm bowler and we see him also helping Reece Topley and Tymal Mills in their development with his experience and knowledge of the game.”