Alex Tudor in full flight © Getty Images

Essex have made light of speculation that Alex Tudor is poised to sign for them. David East, Essex's chief executive, told BBC Sport: "We are keeping our options open, but we have had no formal conversations with Tudor."

Tudor, 27, was released by Surrey at the end of last season, and is recovering from a career-threatening side injury. Graham Gooch, the former England captain who is Essex's coach, joined him when he went to Munich for treatment, prompting rumours that he would sign for Essex.

Tudor has played ten Test matches since 1998-99, but never more than two in succession because of niggles and injuries. And for Surrey, he's turned out for them in just 67 first-class matches since 1995 when he made his debut as a 16-year-old. He played just one County Championship game in 2004.