Chris Martin signs short-term Essex deal

Chris Martin, the New Zealand pace bowler, has signed as Essex's overseas player until early May as cover for Danish Kaneria.

Subject to being given a visa, Martin will play his first match against Lancashire, at Chelmsford, next week and is due to stay with the county until May 7.

Kaneria is currently playing in the Pentangular Cup in Pakistan and is due to arrive in England at the end of the month to play for Essex until Pakistan's series against Australia and England begin later in the summer.

"We are delighted that Chris will be joining us," said Paul Grayson, the Essex coach. "He is a top-class bowler and is keen to play County Championship cricket. Chris will be a good replacement in this interim period and we look forward to welcoming him to Essex ahead of the Lancashire game."