Australian bowler Peter Siddle has signed with Essex for the English county side’s Twenty20 campaign, subject to clearance from Cricket Australia.
The 27-year-old will join up with the squad for the opening game of the competition on June 13 against Surrey Lions at the Kia Oval.
Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: “We are delighted to have signed Australia’s premier bowler in Test cricket.
“Australia are looking to keep him fresh for their schedule and for Peter this will be a chance for him to enhance his one-day skills.
“With Tim Southee not coming back, it leaves us light in our bowling line-up so it will be good to bring him in alongside Graham Napier.
“We are all very excited to be bringing in a world-class bowler for our T20 campaign.”