ESSEX Cricket Club have signed Hampshire spin bowler Liam Dawson on a one-month loan deal.

Paul Grayson has decided to add to his spin options, with youngster Aron Nijjar getting the nod in recent weeks and Monty Panesar out of favour, and has plumped for the 25-year-old left arm spinner.

Dawson will link up with the squad ahead of their match with Lancashire on Monday, July 6 and will be available for all formats of the game.

And he can't wait to get started.

“Essex are a decent side and they have got some very good players,” he said. “This is an excellent opportunity for me to play first-team cricket in all formats.

“It’s the best option for me at this time and I’m very thankful to Essex for taking me for the next month – I’m really looking forward to it.”

He has played all but two of Hampshire’s County Championship Division One matches this season, has a high score of 169 and has taken 94 first-class wickets.

And Grayson said he was a good addition to the side.

“Liam is a talented all-round cricketer and he should prove a good addition to the squad. We are delighted to welcome him on board. We have been looking to add a spin bowling option to the team, and Liam adds that.

“I’d like to thank Giles White at Hampshire for releasing Liam, and hopefully this loan period will suit both parties.”