Cricket-News.Org

Essex has agreed a three-year deal with Leicestershire fast bowler David Masters up until the end of the 2010 season.

The 29-year-old began his first-class career with Kent in 2000 before joining Leicestershire for the 2003 season.

Masters has taken 229 first-class wickets at an average of 31.71 as well as claiming 71 one-day wickets and 30 Twenty20 Cup victims.

Masters told the Essex CCC website (www.essexcricket.org.uk): “I’m very excited about the prospect of playing for Essex - it’s a massive club. My Dad (former Kent player Kevin Masters) said it’s a great place to play cricket, and always wanted to play here but never got the opportunity, so it’s going to be good for me to get that chance.

“It’s always hard coming to a new county. I’ll probably need a little bit of time to get into it but I’m pretty sure I’ll do well. I know my game now and I’m at my peak so I think Essex have got me at the perfect time of my career.”

Essex Chief Executive David East told the Essex CCC website: “Signing a quality opening bowler was an absolute priority for us for 2008 and I am delighted that we have been able to conclude our deal with David at this stage of the season. We have got some terrific young bowlers coming through our system, but David offers us the great combination of ability and experience straight away. I am sure he will do very well at Essex”

Essex Captain Mark Pettini told the Essex CCC website of his delight at the Club’s two recent signings (Masters and Chris Wright from Middlesex)

“We identified last month some guys who we wanted to sign for next season and David was one of those (to follow Chris Wright who signed from Middlesex last week). Our particular niche was in getting an opening bowler or two so we are very pleased that he decided to sign with us.

“We wanted to sort our squad out for next year as soon as possible. Rather than spend the winter trying to sign players we wanted to spend it planning with what we knew we already had. With that in mind we wanted to move sooner rather than later and David also felt the same in that he wanted to sort out his future as soon as possible, so it’s good for both parties.

“I faced him here at Chelmsford last year and I’ve seen his record so I know what he can offer us as a bowler. I’m very happy to welcome him into the side.”

David Masters Factfile
Born: 22 April 1978
Birthplace: Chatham, Kent
Major teams: Kent, Leicestershire
Role: Right-hand bat/Right medium-fast
First-class career: 86 matches, 1088 runs @ 13.10/229 wickets @ 31.71
Best Bowling (first-class): 6-27 for Kent v Durham (Tunbridge Wells, 2000)
Best Batting (first-class): 119 for Leicestershire v Sussex (Hove, 2003)