ESSEX Cricket Club have signed New Zealand fast bowler Matthew Quinn as they gear up for the new season.

Quinn, 22, has joined on a three year deal subject to ECB registration and will be available in all formats of the game.

Head coach Chris Silverwood has wasted no time adding to his squad, only appointed to the role yesterday morning, but believes Quinn will prove to be a valuable addition.

“Matt is a tall fast bowler who can swing the ball,” he said. “We’ve made no secret of the fact we want to bolster the bowling attack. Having looked at Matt play, alongside his record in New Zealand, he’s got a good pedigree. He has played for New Zealand ‘A’ in the past.

“He’s got all the attributes to be successful here at Chelmsford. We’re delighted to have him joining the Club, subject to all the paperwork being completed.”

And Quinn echoed Silverwood’s comments.

“I'm delighted to be joining Essex for the upcoming season and contributing to a successful changing room,” said the Kiwi. “I look forward to arriving in the UK, and meeting all my teammates, club staff and members for what will be an exciting season ahead."

A right arm medium-fast bowler, Quinn currently plays for Auckland, where he has taken 62 first-class wickets at an average of 28.29.

He has also been performing well for the Auckland Aces team in the Georgie Pie Super Smash, and has taken 23 wickets in his Twenty20 career to date, at a respectable average of 30.78.

He also has 25 List A wickets to his name in his short career to date.