Umesh Yadav. (Photo Sourced: Twitter)
Essex County Cricket Club have signed senior India fast bowler Umesh Yadav for the final three games in the ongoing County Championship season. The 35-year-old, who played for Middlesex last season, picked up four wickets at an average of 71.50 in three Championship games.
The 35-year-old sustained a quad injury during a game against Gloucestershire in the One-Day Cup which led him to end his stint early. The veteran will replace New Zealand quick Doug Bracewell in the Essex squad and will be joining as the second overseas player after Simon Harmer. He is expected to be included in the squad for the home games against his previous club Middlesex and Hampshire as well as the away match against Northamptonshire.
After signing with Essex, Umesh has expressed his delight to play for the club in the remainder of the tournament. He mentioned his stint with Middlesex, stating it would be good to return and play in the English conditions.
“I am really pleased to join Essex and make what I hope will be some valuable contributions to the team’s success this year. I enjoyed playing in England with Middlesex last season, and it will be good to return and test myself in those conditions again, especially in the midst of a title race,” Umesh was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
The 35-year-old has picked up 288 international wickets for India, playing in 57 Tests, 75 ODIs, and nine T20Is, respectively. He has not played competitive cricket since featuring in the World Test Championship final for India against Australia at The Oval in London, which India lost by 209 runs.
Anthony McGrath, Essex’s head coach, has expressed his happiness after Umesh’s signing, stating he is hoping that the veteran will bring their attack in the upcoming matches.
“Umesh is a superb signing for us, and we all know what he will be able to bring to our attack at a crucial time of the season. He is vastly experienced and has taken wickets at the top levels of the game for more than a decade now, so as well as contributing during our run-in, we hope he can pass on some of his wisdom to our young players too,” McGrath said.